Pea glut triggers price crash in HP market

Already hampered by inclement weather, pea growers are now facing glut on markets in Himachal Pradesh, which ranks fourth in pea production in country.

The glut of pea has resulted in sharp decrease in prices. However, farmers could hold their produce for a few days, but due to lack of awareness they are being cheated by middlemen.

Inclement weather was one of the reasons for glut on the market. Bad weather, high velocity winds, hailstor m and thunderstorm also affected the pea produce in some areas of Shimla, Mandi and Kinnaur.

“Unpredictable weather has put farmers in a hurry to send their pea to the market,” said agri-economist DR Thakur.

Due to lack of knowledge, far mers hurriedly sent their pea produce to market creating a glut leading to the slash in prices. Agriculture pro-duce marketing committee (APMC) senior market officer Chandershekhar told HT that on the part of APMC, daily price list was being issued so that the farmers could be aware of the price.

“Some far mers also go to the middleman to sell their produce, which is not advisable,” said he.

The APMC had set up eight to nine collection centres in Shimla district where farmers can keep their produce. Lakshmi Devi of Patgehar village said that pea price was 35 at retail shop, but they are getting only 10-15.