Farmers offered better prices for maize harvest in the market

HYDERABAD: The farmers harvesting maize from across Telangana, are being offered at a higher price of Rs 2,000 per quintal in the market, which is much better when compared to Rs 1,700 fixed by the Centre as minimum support price (MSP).

The rabi season for maize had started in the month of January and farmers are earning a rate of Rs 1,900 to Rs 2,000 per quintal, some of them even got Rs 2,100 initially.

K Prasad Reddy, a farmer from Khammam, had told a source that, "Considering that we got only Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,400 in the last season, this price is very good for us."

During this season in the north and south parts of Telangana, maize was grown in 1.16 lakh hectares. But because of the fall of armyworm pest, the production cost had inflated from Rs 12,000 to Rs 20,000 per acre. The current total production cost ranges between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25,000 per acre. "Since we are getting a good price, we are not worried as all we have to do is to protect the crop from the worm," farmer Ramu Yadav, said.

Officials have said that, the demand for maize has been increased in the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Many traders are also offering the farmers better price and selling them at a higher price outside the state. "We are getting a much better rate for maize and turmeric now," KV Santhosh, a trader, pointed out.