Hundreds of farmers in Sangagiri, Tamil Nadu, are facing financial distress due to a sharp drop in okra prices. The cultivation of okra, a major income source for many families in the region, spans across several villages like Thevur, Arasiramani, and Kullampatti. The market slump has caused prices to fall drastically, making it unprofitable for farmers to harvest the crop.
Okra, grown on nearly 500 acres, is usually sold through traders who distribute it to wholesale markets in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. However, the current market rate of around Rs 5 per kilogram is insufficient to cover production costs. Rising expenses for seeds, fertilizers, labor, and transportation have further exacerbated the situation, forcing many farmers to abandon harvesting.
The financial strain has led to mature okra being left unharvested in fields, with some farmers resorting to using the crop as organic manure. Local traders are also struggling to find buyers due to weak demand, leading to unsold produce being discarded. With no immediate market improvement in sight, farmers are urging government intervention to stabilize prices and protect their livelihoods.
