Farmers in Ulundurpet, along with neighboring areas like Erayur, Ellai Gramam, Thenkunam, Koovadu Neyvani, Kiliyur, and Ragunathapuram, are predominantly involved in turmeric cultivation. Over 500 acres of land in these regions are dedicated to growing turmeric, which is sown during the months of Vaikasi and Aani, with harvesting taking place in the months of Masi and Panguni.
Each acre yields approximately 3.5 tonnes of turmeric, with a cost of around Rs. 1 lakh per acre for cultivation. The harvested turmeric is then sold, with the price of a 100 kg bundle ranging from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000. However, the farmers face significant challenges in selling their produce. They are forced to transport their turmeric to distant markets, such as the Athur Cooperative Society, which is 85 km away, or to private traders in Erode, nearly 210 km away.
Farmers are subjected to high commission fees for selling to private traders, with rates as high as 10% of the sale price. In contrast, selling at the Athur cooperative involves a lower commission of 2%. Despite these commissions, the farmers face the hardship of transporting their produce over long distances and would prefer a local turmeric sale committee to avoid these burdens.
In addition to better pricing, farmers are calling for the government to offer subsidies and provide quality seeds for turmeric cultivation, similar to the support extended for other crops like rice. They also demand that turmeric receive the same level of recognition as sugarcane during festivals like Pongal, where sugarcane receives government support and importance.
The farmers' main demand is for the government to fix a fair price for turmeric, ensuring their livelihoods improve and that they receive the support they deserve for their hard work and contribution to agriculture.
