"Rates are fixed based on the quality of the crop," said Lok Bahadur, a green pea grower from Mashobra village. It used to be Rs 90 to 95 per kg, but due to oversupply, the price has dropped this year. "Today, good quality peas cost around Rs 80 per kg. Peas are sold for Rs 50 to 70 per kg in some places. Bahadur explained the low pea quality by saying, The crops were ruined this time due to rain." Last time, the price began at Rs 100 per kg."
Bahadur went on to say that this year's demand for peas is lower, so prices are lower. The yield is high this time, but the goods are damaged and there are fewer buyers. The goods from low and high areas have all come together, resulting in lower rates, according to Bahadur.
"This time the crop was not of good quality due to the change in the climate," said Nirmit, another pea grower from Matiyana village. The situation is dire. We live in the mountains, where there is no access to water. So, if we sow 10kg of peas, we will only get one sack. Our crop is worth between Rs 60 and Rs 75 per kg. It was fantastic last year. We were getting prices like Rs 110 per kg even after Diwali. The only good news is that farmers are not killing themselves."
While Vinod Sharma, another Rampur-area green pea grower, stated, "Peas have two seasons." In August and March, pea production is lower. The August crop is currently being sold." Sharma explained the Mandi system, saying that "farmers bring crops to Mandis, and some traders come from outside, and crop auctioning takes place." Farmers are benefiting from the pea season that is currently underway. Despite low demand, crop is selling for Rs 80 to 82 per kg. Overall, pea farmers make a good living."
"Pea prices are fixed based on the variety of peas. Every year, pea prices are reasonable, especially for off-season peas. We must provide the labour cost. No other charges are being levied against the farmers at the mandi," Sharma explained. "Farmers come here directly with their crops, and we unload them," said Jai Kumar, a trader at the Mandi. Following that, open bidding takes place.
The farmer is paid the most. The farmer is only responsible for the labour cost; otherwise, no money is taken. Buyers come from both inside and outside the mandi." Peas have different grades, such as best quality, second grade, and third grade. A few crops fail due to rains or harsh winters.
Farmers were unable to grow their crops properly this year due to excessive rains. However, this time around, rates have been relatively good, according to Kumar. Previously, pea prices ranged between Rs 100 and 150 per kg, but with the establishment of local mandis in Punjab and Jabalpur, prices have dropped to Rs 70 to 85 per kg, according to Kumar.
