FARMERS PROTEST OVER MINIMUM SUPPORT PRICE

The sudden drop in prices of chillies enraged farmers, leading to chaos at Enumamula Market on Thursday.

Farmers went on a protest and halted transactions, saying 341 varieties of chillies commanded `9,000 per quintal on Wednesday but traders were offering only `8,400 per quintal on Thursday.

The police arrived on the spot and convinced the farmers to call off their protest. During a meeting with the farmers and traders, the latter pointed out that most of the produce brought to the market on Thursday was damaged because of rains and it could not command a high price.

Farmers from neighbouring Khammam district had arrived with 40,000 bags of chillies, expecting a good price. The farmers alleged that the traders were exploiting the farmers.

Market secretary Mr Sangaiah said price variation is common and the present situation will remain for about a week. He assured farmers that good quality of chillies will receive a better price. He said a reasonable price is being offered currently and asked them to cooperate and not obstruct trade.