Cashew Farmers Allege Neglect by Parvathipuram Officials
They are complaining that neither ITDA officials nor Horticulture staff have inspected their orchards, leaving the plantations vulnerable to pests and poor yields.
Visakhapatnam:Farmers have cultivated around 68,000 acres of cashew in eight mandals under the Parvathipuram Manyam ITDA. They are complaining that neither ITDA officials nor Horticulture staff have inspected their orchards, leaving the plantations vulnerable to pests and poor yields.
Further, they have charged that while factories in neighbouring Srikakulam district are purchasing cashew nuts for ₹180–₹200 per kg, in Parvathipuram Manyam, middlemen are dominating the trade, offering only ₹70–₹160 per kg, resulting in heavy losses for cultivators.
Last year, a cashew procurement unit had been opened at the Parvathipuram Market Yard following agitations by the CPM and Girijana Sangham demanding a support price. Farmers say this season, only 20 per cent of their crop has been procured, leaving the majority of produce unsold.
The CPM and Girijana Sangham allege that ITDA officials have failed to monitor purchases or act against traders who exploit tribal farmers. CPM leader Kolli Sambamurthy demanded immediate inspections of cashew plantations and steps to protect the crop.
Further, he demanded that the government procure cashew for ₹200 per kilo, in line with Srikakulam’s rates. Sambamurthy appealed to ITDA officials, district collector, and the state government to ensure fair support to cashew farmers. Otherwise, their livelihoods will be at risk.