Giving support to the long standing demands of the chilli farmers in the state, the Punjab government has fixed the price of chilli seed at Rs 33,200 per kg. The government has also announced that the farmers can purchase it from multiple seed sellers of the state.
According to media reports, before the introduction of government checks, farmers were forced to spend 20 per cent to 30 per cent more than the set price to purchase the seeds for the eight-month crop of chilli, which grows between November and July. Additionally, the farmers had to rely solely on one merchant for their supply of chilli seed.
The farmers claim that they buy seed for the United Genetics Company-developed ‘8307’ variety, which is only sold by one vendor. They end up paying significantly more each year for this variety due to his monopoly. The price of the seed, which they could purchase for Rs 34,000 per kg last year, has increased to Rs 40,000 per kg this year. It is currently restricted at Rs 33,200 per kg.
The decision was taken following the meeting between the Director Punjab Agriculture Department, and officials of the company, as per reports.
Chilli seed transplantation begins in November, and the first green chilli are picked in the first week of April. The first picking of red chilies (non-dry) begins in the second week of May if the farmer has to sell them. Seven to eight pickings for green chillies occur between April and August. Only three to four red chilli pickings are made, though. Farmers typically receive between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 3.5 lakh per acre and can safely make Rs 2 lakh after covering input costs. Chilli farmers are another major source of inspiration for diversification. Instead of paddy, they take the basmati crop after the chilli harvest.
