Black pepper farmers face tough times sans govt support in Koraput

Black pepper cultivation has been facing critical issues in the Koraput district. Despite the region's climate being ideal for this spice, interest among indigenous farmers is waning due to insufficient incentives and government support.

Coffee cultivators often use black pepper as a secondary shade crop, resulting in its independent cultivation being neglected. The local farmers distress-sell their produce for around Rs 600 per kilogram, highlighting the economic disparities present.

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Government subsidies exist but have failed to generate widespread farmer interest due to poor communication and inadequate infrastructure. Establishing processing units and marketing strategies could significantly enhance farmers' incomes and production levels.

Currently, black pepper is predominantly cultivated as a shade crop in the coffee estates, particularly in Dasamantpur and Laxmipur blocks. Its growth cycle spans seven years, yielding roughly 25 kilograms per plant. Yet, without local processing facilities, profit potential remains limited. Without incentives similar to those for coffee, pepper cultivation remains underdeveloped, some local farmers alleged.

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A farmers' outfit chief Murali Adhikari asserted the necessity for encouragement similar to that given to coffee cultivation. Although the government offers financial aid of Rs 20,000 per hectare, the distribution process is allegedly disorganised. Farmers frequently undertake cultivation with their funding, hoping for eventual government assistance.

Reported By: Surya, Jagat Jiban