Distress sale of ginger leaves Odisha farmers in lurch, demand for cold storage units grows 

Despite a significant increase in ginger cultivation across various regions of Koraput district this year, farmers are facing distress sale as market prices have dropped drastically. 

According to sources, ginger is being sold at a meager ₹15-₹20 per kg, leaving farmers unable to recover even the minimum production costs during the peak harvest season.

The absence of cold storage facilities has further aggravated the situation, forcing farmers to sell their produce at lower prices to avoid spoilage, sources added.

Farmers Demand Cold Storage 

“The price of ginger has significantly dropped to Rs 15-20 per kg leaving us in distress. As there is no cold storage, we are left with no option other than selling the ginger at a very cheap price,” rued Ram Pangi, a farmer.

“We cannot make any profit if the ginger is sold at Rs 10-15 per kg. It must be sold at Rs 50-60 per kg so that we can earn something. We want cold storage units to address the situation,” said Sonu Khora, another farmer.

Acknowledging the crisis, officials from the Horticulture Department have admitted to the challenges faced by the farmers. Last year, the minimum selling price of ginger during this season was ₹35-₹40 per kg. However, this year, the prices have nearly halved, causing financial distress among cultivators. 

The district witnessed ginger cultivation on approximately 3,700 hectares, with harvesting still ongoing in many areas.

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Reduced Demand For Local Ginger

Market analysts suggest that the influx of ginger from other states into Odisha has reduced demand for locally produced ginger, adding to the farmers' woes. 

“The FPOs under the agricultural production cluster are involved in the selling of ginger. Not everywhere, but at some places the production has been affected,” said Sudam Charan Biswal, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, Koraput.

With no immediate solutions in sight, farmers continue to suffer significant losses, urging authorities for better storage and price stabilization measures.