THANJAVUR: A slump in demand due to the recent rains and harvesting under way simultaneously in neighbouring states are causing heavy losses for banana farmers in Thanjavur as they say traders offer as low as Rs 6/kg for their harvest. While they are used to witnessing low demand during the rainy season, they add the procurement price was better in previous years. In the delta district of Thanjavur, dominated by paddy cultivation, banana serves as a key cash crop for farmers. While the demand for bananas comes down significantly during the rainy season, the procurement price did not fall this steep, he says. “Last year during the rainy season we got at least Rs 15/kg while we get at least Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg otherwise,” Mathiyazhagan added.

Source: Indian Express November 15, 2024 02:52 UTC