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Surging pepper prices double tribal farmers’ profits

According to government records, pepper cultivation now spans over 1.3 lakh acres, growing rapidly alongside coffee

Visakhapatnam: Once dominated by coffee, the picturesque Eastern Ghats have seen a shift as tribal farmers now reap substantial profits from pepper cultivation. The region is home to approximately 2 lakh acres of coffee plantations, with pepper commonly grown as an intercrop. Remarkably, pepper yields double the profits of coffee, with prices ranging from Rs 460 to Rs 500 per kg, compared to Rs 250 to Rs 290 per kg for coffee.

B. Kalyani, a field officer with the Spices Board of India, highlighted the surge in pepper prices: "In previous years, buyers acquired pepper for Rs 250 per kg. By 2021, the price will increase to Rs 300, reaching ₹350 to Rs 400 in 2022. This year, prices have climbed to Rs 460 -Rs 500 due to the exceptional quality of pepper grown in the Eastern Ghats."

This steady increase in pepper prices has fueled its expansion. According to government records, pepper cultivation now spans over 1.3 lakh acres, growing rapidly alongside coffee. Pepper thrives in regions with temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius for at least one month, and the ASR's agency areas, with their favorable geographical conditions, soil quality, and cool climate, are ideal for cultivation. Andhra Pradesh ranks seventh in the country, contributing 0.28 per cent to India’s total pepper production.

Pepper cultivation is relatively low-cost, especially as it is grown as an intercrop. Farmers receive pepper seedlings free of charge. With an average yield of 200 kg per acre and market prices ranging from Rs 460 to Rs 500 per kg, potential earnings can range from Rs 92,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per acre, with profits between Rs 67,000 and Rs 80,000.

Pepper farmer Pangi Vasu explained the benefits: "A coffee plantation on one acre yields around 150 kg, while pepper as an intercrop can produce up to 200 kg per acre. The higher price of pepper makes its cultivation far more profitable." Gemmili Shanti, another pepper farmer, shared her experience: "Pepper has yielded higher profits than coffee in the past three years. Last year, we made a profit of Rs 1,50,000, which could have reached Rs 2,00,000 with better market knowledge."

In regions like Chintapalli, Gudenkottaveedhi, Paderu, Araku and Ananthagiri, families work together to cultivate pepper. Silver oak trees, originally planted for shade in coffee gardens, also serve as supports for pepper vines, which can grow up to 40 feet tall and require long ladders for harvesting. However, the height of pepper vines and the limited availability of long ladders present challenges. The ITDA has provided only one aluminum ladder per village, which causes delays in harvesting.

While the ITDA regulates coffee bean prices, it does not set a fixed price for pepper. Local farmer Govind suggested, "The ITDA should establish a fixed purchase price for pepper to prevent farmers from selling to intermediaries. Raising awareness about pepper cultivation and establishing price controls would benefit farmers."

Given the strong international demand for pepper, the ITDA prioritises its cultivation to align with global market needs. Cultivating varieties like Panniyur 1 can yield over 300 kg per acre, and the favorable climate in the agency areas makes pepper cultivation highly promising. The ITDA is focused on expanding pepper cultivation and aims to implement fixed pricing practices similar to those for coffee beans.


( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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