Chatrapur,(YNS): When there is excessive production of any crop, its market price often falls drastically. As a result, farmers are unable to get the rightful price for their hard work. Recently, due to excessive tomato production in various parts of Ganjam district, market prices suddenly fell to Rs 2 to Rs 3 per kilogram. Due to the lack of proper market linkages, many farmers were forced to sell their produce at extremely low rates, or in some places, leave the tomatoes unharvested in the fields, suffering distress. As soon as the Ganjam District Administration, through mass media and other channels, became aware of this problem, ORMAS was instructed to take immediate action to relieve farmers from this situation. The district officials of ORMAS took this seriously and, in addition to stabilizing tomato prices, have been helping farmers receive appropriate prices for their produce.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, ORMAS established a market linkage with Bharat Masala (Processing Company). Through this initiative, tomatoes were purchased directly from farmers via the functioning Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the district and supplied to the company.
As a result, farmers are now able to sell tomatoes at Rs 6 per kilogram, which has provided them immediate relief and helped increase their income. Consequently, they are no longer forced to let crops go to waste.
The positive impact of this swift action by the District Administration and ORMAS has begun to be seen in the local markets. Earlier, local traders who compelled farmers to accept extremely low prices have now become cautious due to the availability of alternative marketing channels and have started giving farmers appropriate prices.
Farmers work very hard to cultivate crops, and therefore, they should always receive fair prices. This is a collective responsibility for all of us. If farmers do not get the proper price for their efforts and cultivation decreases, the entire community will be affected directly or indirectly. Keeping this in mind, the District Administration has advised that farmers must always be given fair prices.
The District Administration and ORMAS are committed to further strengthening state and national market linkages and expanding the value chain through FPOs, ensuring farmers receive appropriate and stable prices.
