Agency custard apple a boon to middlemen

Srikakulam: Sitampeta agency and hilly area in Srikakulam district are well known for production of good and tasty variety of custard apple (locally known as sitafalam). But it became a boon to middlemen and not for its producers who are tribal farmers.

Officials concerned are failed to take measures to provide reasonable price for the fruit by preventing middlemen entry and their exploitation. Tribal farmers are unable to store the fruit due to its nature and speedy damage. Lack of market facilities is the main reason for tribals to sell their produce at the price fixed by the middlemen.

Due to their poor financial status, farmers are depending on the middlemen for small amounts. By cashing in on their situation, middlemen are paying some money in advance to tribals by fixing a low price to their produce, custard apple before ripening season.

After harvesting, the middlemen are procuring it from tribal farmers at a low price. The middlemen are purchasing it from tribals by paying Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kg and later, they are selling the same for Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg in open market.

Sitampeta agency apple is good for health and it can prevent high BP, heart problems and bone infections, said deputy district medical and health officer Dr Menda Praveen.

“With an aim to promote tribal farmers as traders, we provided three vehicles so far to Farmers Producers Groups (FPG) in the agency and urged the district officials to provide counters at Rythu Bazaars in their respective districts for custard apples”, Sitampeta ITDA project officer Lotheti Shiva Sankar told The Hans India.