ANANTAPUR: A steep fall in tamarind prices have forced farmers to store the fruit in cold storages at the Hindupur Market Yard, which is the biggest market and exporter of tamarind to many other states and also other countries.
But the E-Nam and lobbying of traders has reportedly led to the fall in prices this season. The top quality of Karipoli variety is being sold between Rs 800-1700 per 10 kg while the flower variety is sold between Rs 600-800 per 10 kgs at Hindupur Market during present season.
Hindupur market is famous for tamarind as AP and Karnataka farmers and traders depend on the market. This year the tamarind crop was poor because of rain deficit during peak flower and fruit bearing stages. But, less production could not fetch a good price for the farmers who had to sell at lower prices because of poor coordination between traders and officials over E-Nam system at the market. Two years ago tamarind prices set a record in the history of markets as a kilogram of top quality tamarind was sold at Rs 280. But the current market is in a state of flux and worry due to the price fluctuation.
A kilo of top quality of tamarind Karipoli is being traded between Rs 80-170 a kg while the next best quality is being traded for Rs 60-80 in the Hindupur Tamiarind Market, which is the big-gest market in Rayalasee-ma and surrounding Karn-ataka areas.
“We are not happy with the prices as we are unable to cover our costs of preparation and cleaning process from the trees,” said Mr Manjunath, a farmer from Madakasira.
Anantapur district and surrounding Karnataka areas stand as top producers of the sweet and rich quality of tamarind and pulp in the State followed by Chittoor and other parts of Rayalaseema. Presently, around 12 quintals of tamarind is being sold at Hindupur Market every market day.
