2 hrs ago
Cashew Farmers Seek Fair Prices After Officials’ Alleged Neglect
Cashew farmers in eight mandals say their orchards are not receiving enough official attention.
They say officials have not inspected the farms for pests or crop problems.
The farmers grow cashews on about 68,000 acres.
They are also unhappy with the prices offered by middlemen.
Factories in nearby Srikakulam are reportedly paying ₹180–₹200 for a kilogram of cashews.
Middlemen in Parvathipuram Manyam are offering only ₹70–₹160.
A government-linked procurement unit has bought only about one-fifth of this season’s harvest, according to the farmers.
Farmer groups want the government to buy cashews for ₹200 per kilogram.
They say better inspections and prices are needed to protect their incomes.
Farmers cultivate about 68,000 acres of cashew across eight mandals under the Parvathipuram Manyam ITDA.
They allege that ITDA and Horticulture officials have not inspected orchards, leaving crops vulnerable to pests and poor yields.
Cashew factories in neighbouring Srikakulam reportedly pay ₹180–₹200 per kilogram, while middlemen in Parvathipuram Manyam offer ₹70–₹160.
A procurement unit opened last year has purchased only about 20% of this season’s crop, farmers say.
CPM leader Kolli Sambamurthy demanded inspections and government procurement at ₹200 per kilogram to protect tribal farmers’ livelihoods.
- Who
- Cashew farmers in eight mandals under the Parvathipuram Manyam ITDA, along with the CPM and Girijana Sangham.
- What
- Farmers allege official neglect, pest risks, low prices from middlemen, and inadequate procurement of their cashew crop.
- Where
- The affected orchards are in Parvathipuram Manyam, while the comparison prices come from neighbouring Srikakulam district.
- When
- The complaints concern this season; a cashew procurement unit was opened last year.
- Why
- Farmers seek orchard inspections, protection from traders, and procurement at ₹200 per kilogram to reduce losses and protect livelihoods.
Key facts
- Cultivated area
- About 68,000 acres of cashew
- Number of mandals
- Eight mandals under the Parvathipuram Manyam ITDA
- Local middlemen’s prices
- ₹70–₹160 per kilogram
- Srikakulam factory prices
- ₹180–₹200 per kilogram
- Current procurement
- About 20% of this season’s crop
- Requested support price
- ₹200 per kilogram
- Procurement unit
- Opened at the Parvathipuram Market Yard last year
Sources
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