Sehore's purchase market's bad state, farmers neither get fair prices nor shade to sit

By Pallav Jain 21 Oct 2023

New Update

A continuous convoy of tractor trolleys characterises the bustling scene at the produce market in Sehore City. Shailu Verma, a native of Sewaniya village, arrived at the market early in the morning at 10 am. Despite it already being 6 in the evening, he has yet to succeed in having his soybean crop weighed. The market notably lacks essential facilities such as drinking water and urinals, causing discomfort to the farmers. Adding to the farmers' distress are the disappointing low crop prices for their crops.

In Madhya Pradesh, the month of August experienced a nominal amount of rainfall due to a gap in the monsoon season. The sparse rains during this crucial month, which is typically earmarked for the irrigation of Kharif crops such as soybean, maize, and moong. This hindered their growth significantly as it's during this time that the seeds form from the flowers. Consequently, the excessive heat led to drought-like conditions rather than the anticipated rains. The rainfall in September somewhat mitigated the damage to the crops. However, a large number of farmers saw their soybean grains remain stunted. Consequently, these farmers are now receiving less than optimal prices at the market for their undersized produce.

_{Long line of tractor trolleys in Sehore produce market}

Soybean sold at 3500-4500 rupees/quintal

Manohar Singh, a resident of Raipura who came to sell his crop, revealed that he received a price of ₹ 4100 per quintal this year, a decrease from last year's ₹ 5000. Last year's (2022-23) Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Soyabean was ₹ 4300, and the price increased to ₹ 4600 for this year i.e. 2023-24. Although, this year Manohar mentioned a considerable reduction in his yield - from 60 quintals of soybean last year to merely 35 quintals this year. Manohar further adds,

"We are confronted with dropping prices for our crops while experiencing a surge in the costs of necessary supplies such as fertilizers, seeds, and medicine. Thus rendering the cultivation of the next harvest significantly more costly. We are left in a predicament of whether to allocate our limited funds between providing for our children or preparing for subsequent crop seasons."

Ramkumar Sharma from Shikarpura, echoing Manohar's sentiments, reported that his crop was devastated this season. The yield of his soybean was underwhelming, resulting in smaller grains and thereby fetching only Rs. 3700 per quintal. Sharma added that...

"Had we received a minimum price of ₹ 5000, it would have covered the expenses. The Shivraj government has consistently supported farmers, and we harbor no grievances against them. Nonetheless, during crisis, their supportive stance towards farmers should have been more evident. Farmers, who toil laboriously to grow grains, should not be subjected to such treatment."

^{Workers unloading the soybean from trolleys through sacks}

Weather affects soybean

We want to inform you that soybean is a lucrative cash crop that offers substantial profits to farmers at minimal cost. This crop is primarily traded in government markets, providing a crucial ingredient for cooking oil and a multitude of food products. However, the changes in climate over recent years have adversely impacted soybean Further, the unseasonal rains and droughts limit the options available to farmers to protect their crops.

^{Soybean being weighed in Sehore Produce Market}

Anand Singh Mewada, a resident of Sewaniya village, reports that approximately half of his crop yield has suffered destruction. However, he expresses disappointment in the lack of governmental intervention, noting that no survey was conducted nor compensation provided. Despite having a fraction of his earnings deducted for crop insurance, he contends that the insurance companies have yet to issue any form of reimbursement. Exacerbating the situation, Mewada spends his days standing amidst the destitute marketplace of Sehore with his tractor, only to find his crop, a Soybean load, remains unweighed even at the end of a long day.

Anand further states that...

"The purchase market in Ashta, which is 45 km from Sehore, surpasses this one in quality. It provides better facilities for farmers, including areas for relaxation and rest. Furthermore, crop weighing processes in Ashta are executed more swiftly than they are here."

Numerous development plans for Sehore's Purchase market (Galla Mandi) have been drafted. However, the condition remains subpar. The farmers visiting are forced to endure full days confined to their tractors.

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Author: Pallav Jain