Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam   

Long dry spell tells upon vegetable production

VISAKHAPATNAM: The long dry spell in the district-- virtually there had been no rains since September last—coupled with the reduction in the extent of cultivation has resulted in severe shortage of vegetables, leading to prices of most of the vegetables going through the roof. Vegetables are cultivated on an area of over 17,000 hectares in the district. There are three seasons for the cultivation of vegetables. During khariff (June to September) 4100 hectares would be under vegetables cultivation and in the rabi season which is the major season for vegetables, 10,230 hectares would be covered. February to May is the lean season for vegetables and a mere 2900 hectares would be under the cultivation of vegetables.

Long delay in the onset of monsoon had also depleted groundwater and resulted in drying up of borewells and open wells. Vegetables require regular watering. Watering for a minimum of six to eight times is required every season. Vegetables like brinjals and tomatoes will come for harvest six to eight times in one season, provided regular watering is done. But according to farmers, there was no scope for regular watering this season and the number of harvests had come down to three to four times in the present season. This had resulted in reduced production and short supply of vegetables.

There are 12 Rythu Bazaars in the city. While the rythu bazaars at MVP colony and Sithammadhara are open in the morning and evening, others function only in the morning.

The requirement of vegetables is more than 2,000 quintals a day. During Rabi season more than 550 quintals of vegetable arrive at the MVP rythu bazaar. But the quantity of vegetables that arrived on Wednesday is less than 400 quintals.

The result : no fresh vegetables are available after 8 am. Similar is the situation in other rythu bazaars also. Scanty rains had also its adverse impact on the quality of vegetables.

The rate of brinjal per kg, as displayed in rythu bazaars, is Rs.7 (black variety) and Rs.10 (white variety). But there is no supply in rythu bazaars and the rate of the same brinjal is just double the amount in the open market. For barabati (local bean variety) it is Rs.14 and Rs.24 in rythu bazaar and open market respectively. Similar is the situation in case of mirchi and lady’s finger.

Another feature in rythu bazaars is the virtual absence of vegetables like beans, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower and cucumber. This situation would continue for the coming couple of months, say farmers and officials. Because time is required for farmers to start the new season of vegetable cultivation, that is kharif, and flood the market with fresh vegetables.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

A food fest for the calorie conscious
Long dry spell tells upon vegetable production
Case against MLA: TDP stages protest
All eyes on the sky
Many bogus cards in circulation: survey
Diesel price hike decried
Tainala promises to strive for planned development
Bags maritime award
Woman ends life
SBI employees donate blood
Visakhapatnam today

Copyright © 2009, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu