Farmers in Punjab are experiencing financial strain due to an oversupply of cabbage and cauliflower, leading to wholesale prices plummeting to $0.01-$0.02 per kg. The surplus has also impacted retail prices, which have decreased to $0.08-$0.12 per kg.
With production costs reaching approximately $1,186 per hectare, growers are unable to recuperate their investments, highlighting the necessity for a systematic approach to managing excess production. Lakhwinder Singh Grewal, a farmer from Ludhiana's Sahnewal, planted cabbage on 0.6 Hectares post-paddy harvest in October. Despite the crop maturing by December, he is compelled to sell at minimal prices in wholesale markets. "With such rates, I can't even cover my costs," he lamented.
Similarly, Darshan Singh, a cauliflower farmer from Giddranwali village in Abohar, is feeding his produce to cattle due to unsustainable prices. "What's the point of taking it to the mandi when I'll only get $0.01 per kg?" he questioned.
Farmers attribute the crisis to erratic weather conditions. Amarinder Singh from Lakhowal village in Ludhiana noted that higher temperatures in November caused poor early yields, while a sudden temperature drop in December led to simultaneous maturation of early and late varieties, saturating the market. "This happens with many vegetables, and the state government needs to wake up and find ways to manage such situations," he stated.
Grewal stressed the need for enhanced planning by state agricultural bodies, including the Horticulture Department and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). "They need to assess how much land should be allocated for each vegetable crop and organize farmers into clusters to regulate supply. This will prevent unpredictable price crashes," he said, critiquing the state government's tendency to blame the Centre instead of taking responsibility.
He also highlighted Punjab's potential to export vegetables to Arab countries currently importing from Europe. "Why can't we tap into that market?" he remarked.
Amarjeet Singh, a Ferozepur-based cultivator, recalled a similar price collapse in capsicum last year. "Minimum Support Price (MSP) is necessary, but the state government must also focus on solutions to handle surplus production," he added.
The horticulture department has acknowledged the oversupply issue. Dr. Shailender Kaur, Director of Horticulture, Punjab, mentioned that an individual quick freezing center is being established at Verka Cooperative Society to address the situation. "It is a food processing technique which freezes food items at a rapid rate. Food processing is the need of the hour to handle glut," she stated.
Source: The Indian Express