Dharmapuri, March 9 (IANS) The Palmarosa-based cottage industry in Dharmapuri district is facing a severe crisis as cultivation of the aromatic crop declines sharply amid weak market demand, erratic rainfall and poor returns for farmers.Producers say the situation has affected hundreds of small distillation units and threatens the survival of a once-thriving rural livelihood.Palmarosa grass (Cymbopogon martinii) is traditionally cultivated in the rain-fed regions of Dharmapuri and neighbouring a…
Latest Agriculture marketing department News & Updates
Ramanathapuram, March 1 (IANS) A sharp decline in arrivals has sent chilli prices in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram soaring to record levels, with Mundu and Samba varieties crossing Rs 20,000 per quintal in the open market. Officials attribute the surge to reduced cultivation area, widespread pest infestation and drought conditions, while farmers have urged the Tamil Nadu government to announce drought relief to offset mounting crop losses.Chilli remains the largest horticultural crop cultivated in…