Tension prevailed at the Enumamula Agricultural Market here as the farmers went on a protest against falling price of chilli on Thursday.
The farmers argued that the 341 variety of Chilli commanded ₹ 9,000 per quintal on Wednesday but on Thursday the traders offered only ₹ 8,400 per quintal. Enraged at the sudden drop in price, the farmers went on a flash protest and stalled the buying of chilli at the market.
Police arrived on the spot and persuaded the farmers to give up. Later, they convened a meeting between farmers and traders.
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The traders contend that the produce was damaged due to recent rains and it would not command high price. Another reason for sudden drop in price is attributed to increased arrivals at the market. The farmers from Khammam district were also coming to Enumamula Agricultural Market expecting a good price. As a result, there were over 25,000 to 40,000 bags arriving at the market which the traders were trying to exploit the situation.
Market secretary Sangaiah said most of crop arriving at the market was damaged due to recent rains. The price variation is common and the present situation will remain for about a week. He said that present price is reasonable. The trading of Chilli resumed in the afternoon after police intervened.