Essential commodity prices rise, farmers suffer low returns
Prices of essential commodities like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes have significantly increased across most Indian states in the past week, according to data from the Price Monitoring Division of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Tomato prices in Delhi nearly doubled, while potato and onion prices rose by ₹3-5 per kg. Despite consumers paying more, farmers are receiving very low returns, sometimes as little as ₹2-3 per kg for potatoes in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, leading to distress. Farmers' bodies, like Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), allege that corporate houses and big traders are profiting, not the producers. The SKM has also warned of protests over fertilizer shortages for kharif crops.
Key Points
- Retail prices of essential commodities like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes have surged across India in the past week.
- Farmers are experiencing distress due to receiving extremely low prices for their produce, despite the high retail costs.
- Farmers' organizations accuse corporate houses and big traders of profiting from the price disparity.
- The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced protests over the shortage of fertilizers for the upcoming kharif season.
Exam Facts
- Data source: Price Monitoring Division of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
- Tomato price in Delhi: ₹53/kg (up from ₹30 on May 17).
- Onion price in Delhi: ₹32/kg (up from ₹15 last week).
- Farmers' body: Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).
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