Dry spell dims export-grade vegetables in Chittoor, growers forced to sell at home

The unusually long dry spell in Chittoor and Annamayya districts is expected to impact the vegetable economy of the region, with crop quality deteriorating, market footfall decreasing and prices rising, affecting farmers, traders and consumers alike.

Apart from a few showers in May, the region has received almost no significant rainfall since March, subjecting vegetable crops to prolonged heat stress.

The badly affected sections include vegetable growing areas of Palamaner and Kuppam Assembly constituencies. Many small and marginal farmers depend on cultivation of premium cabbage, gourds, legumes, green leafy vegetables and chillies. Besides supplying significant quantities of vegetables to the wholesale markets of Chennai and Vellore and Bengaluru, the district also exports selected produce to Singapore, Malaysia, Gulf countries and parts of Europe.

Farmers observe that the period of persistent drought reduces the size, color and shelf life of vegetables, making most export-oriented produce unsuitable for overseas markets. “Yields have not come down completely, but quality has fallen badly. Buyers looking for export standards do not want to deal with our stocks. We are forced to sell them in domestic markets at lower returns,” said Ramanjaneyulu (63), an experienced vegetable farmer in V. Kota mandal.

The stress is evident in local markets in Chittoor and Annamayya districts. Brinjal, the most common varieties, retails around ₹ 80 per kg, and various varieties of beans and other legumes have almost disappeared from the markets since the first week of June.

Leafy vegetables also became scarce, further increasing prices. Tomato growers in Madanapalle, Valmikipuram and Tamballapalle districts are concerned that despite good summer yields, the crop has lost its typical color and size. Indigenous guava cultivation in the Penumuru and Rayachoti belts also bears the brunt of the long summer season.

Consumers are upset that rising prices are accompanied by a noticeable decline in freshness and quality. Sumathi (36), a private school teacher in Chittoor, said, “The normal price of brinjal was supposed to be ₹40 per kg but now it has doubled and half will also go in. Instead, we prefer dhal and chicken these days. Let the rains come.”

Horticulture department officials admit that the situation is due to unusually long periods of moisture stress and abnormally high summer temperatures even in cooler areas such as Madanapalle and Kuppam.