Chilli’s sorrow, maize’s glory: A tale of two crops in Andhra Pradesh

While maize farmers in rural Anantapur celebrate high yields and soaring profits, chilli farmers across Andhra Pradesh are grappling with despair as plummeting prices and rising costs push them to the brink. This stark contrast highlights the uneven fortunes of farmers in the state, with maize emerging as a lifeline and chilli becoming a source of distress.

Chilli farmers in crisis

G Nettekanteiah (54), a chilli farmer from Bommanahal, voices the frustration of many: “Despite a good yield, we are unable to recover our costs. The market prices are too low, and the government’s support price of Rs 11,781 per quintal is not enough to cover our expenses.” Farmers like him are holding onto their produce in cold storages, hoping for a price rebound that seems increasingly unlikely.

YCP Anand, a local leader in Devagiri, adds, “The government’s Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is not effective. Farmers are forced to sell to private traders at low prices, while traders profit from our hard work.” The rising cost of cultivation, coupled with stagnant market rates, has left chilli farmers in a precarious financial situation.

Maize farmers reap rewards

In stark contrast, maize farmers in rural Anantapur are thriving. Chennareddy Gopal, a farmer with over 20 years of experience, explains, “Maize is a low-investment, high-return crop. It requires minimal water and grows well in both black cotton and red soil.” With profits averaging Rs 30,000 per acre and private buyers offering prices above the minimum support price, maize has become a reliable source of income for farmers in the drought-prone region.

Soil and seasonal success

According to agricultural scientists, maize’s adaptability to different soils and seasons has been key to its success. Black cotton soil, which retains moisture, is ideal for dry seasons, while red soil performs well during the rainy season. The crop’s short 100-day growth period and low maintenance requirements make it a preferred choice for farmers. In contrast, chilli cultivation is more labor-intensive and vulnerable to market fluctuations.

Market dynamics and government role

Chilli farmers are urging the government to intervene more effectively to stabilize prices and ensure fair returns. “The MIS should be implemented in a way that benefits farmers, not traders,” says G Nettekanteiah. On the other hand, maize farmers like Gopal rely on private buyers who often pay above the government’s support price, reducing their dependence on state intervention.

A call for balanced support

The contrasting fortunes of chilli and maize farmers underscore the need for balanced agricultural policies. While maize has brought prosperity to Anantapur, chilli farmers are calling for urgent measures to address their plight. Experts suggest that the government should focus on improving market linkages, ensuring fair prices, and providing timely support to farmers cultivating high-risk crops like chilli.

The story of chilli and maize in Andhra Pradesh is a tale of two extremes—one of despair and the other of hope. While maize has become a symbol of resilience and profitability, chilli farmers continue to struggle with market uncertainties and rising costs. Addressing these disparities through targeted interventions and policy reforms is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of agriculture and the well-being of farmers across the state.