A drastic price cut

Devkanth is a farmer from Chakhaji village in Samastipur, whose carrot farm is regarded as a picture of prosperity in the community. But the reality is not as picturesque. “Despite an ample crop, traders at the local mandi are offering 25 to 50 percent less than the price of carrots before the lockdown,” says Devkanth. Reduced demand and higher logistical costs are the main culprits of this drastic cut. With very few buyers left at all, Devkanth has to sell his produce at these reduced rates.

Further, Devkanth says, “We used to see heightened sales in March and April because many states celebrate the new year during this time, and it is considered an auspicious season for weddings. We used to get big orders and a good price, but now the lockdown has brought everything to a halt.”

Devkanth is a farmer from Samastipur, Bihar. Yatin Kumar is a community facilitator at Dr. Reddy’s Foundation.