Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 30: Arecanut prices are on the rise, while rubber rates continue to decline. The price of white variety arecanut, which hovered around Rs 350 per kg until mid-March, has now surpassed Rs 450, marking an increase of over Rs 100 in just a month.
From November to March, arecanut prices ranged between Rs 300–Rs 350, causing concern among farmers. However, due to the drastic weather changes including a severe summer last year followed by excessive rains, arecanut production dropped to less than half, prompting farmers to anticipate better prices. With the current trend, prices could reach Rs 500 per kg for new arecanut. In fact, the single-chali variety has already touched Rs 500. Given the rising cost of maintaining plantations, a price of Rs 500 per kg is essential for arecanut to remain a profitable crop.
The price hike, however, has disappointed small-scale farmers who have already sold most of their stock. Meanwhile, those who have stored their produce are now benefiting from the price surge. Presently, arecanut from harvest season is entering the market in large volumes, and the quality is reported to be better than usual. Additionally, the early summer showers have supported irrigation in arecanut plantations.
Rubber cultivation continues to be a source of anxiety for farmers. The price of rubber has dropped to Rs 193 per kg. The erratic summer rains, mild winter, extreme heat, and dry weather conditions have significantly affected rubber yield. Alongside reduced yield, declining prices are compounding farmers' woes.
Over the past decade, farmers have refrained from establishing new rubber plantations, leading to a decline in the number of rubber estates. Many existing plantations have been leased out, with lessees incurring substantial losses. In some regions, farmers are even cutting down rubber trees to cultivate alternative crops.
Organisations such as CAMPCO and MASS, which work for the welfare of arecanut growers, are making consistent efforts to stabilise arecanut prices. These institutions regularly appeal to the government and serve as a guiding light for farmers. Their persistent efforts have contributed to maintaining steady arecanut prices.
Similarly, rubber cooperative societies are trying to secure minimum support prices for rubber growers. The government needs to urgently address this issue. With increasing demand for arecanut from other states, prices are expected to rise further. Although the current batch of produce entering the market is not of premium quality, organisations like CAMPCO have taken note and are working to stabilise prices, said CAMPCO president Kishore Kumar Kodgi.
Rubber prices, on the other hand, continue to plummet, making it difficult for farmers to sustain their livelihood. A rubber grower from Nittade, stressed the urgent need for government-backed support prices to prevent further losses in rubber farming.