Farmers in Rayagada reel under distress sale of custard apple

By Chandrabhanu Singh

Rayagada, Sept. 8: Farmers in Rayagada district are once again grappling with distress sales of custard apples, a recurring problem that reflects poor planning and lack of institutional support. Despite the Odisha government’s efforts to boost rural livelihoods through agencies like ORMAS (Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society), the ground reality remains grim, particularly for tribal farmers who rely on seasonal fruits for survival.

Custard apple, along with pineapple, jackfruit, and orange, forms the backbone of livelihood for many Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Bissamcuttack and Kolnora areas. Yet, instead of receiving fair prices, farmers are forced to sell their produce for as little as Rs 30–40 per kg in local markets. Middlemen transport the same fruit to cities like Raipur and Visakhapatnam, where it fetches between Rs 300 and Rs 400 per kg.

At Old Gate Chowk and Kapilas Chowk in Rayagada, the desperation is visible. Farmers sit with heaps of custard apples, selling them for just Rs 50 a kg, far below the actual market value.

“The brokers take away everything and make huge profits in other states while we are left counting our losses,” lamented Jogita Tadingi, a farmer from Bamboo village under Baising Gram Panchayat.

The absence of proper storage facilities has worsened the crisis. A cold storage unit built in 2011-12 at Tumbiguda with an investment of Rs 4.37 crore, funded under Markfed, NCDC, RLTAP, and RKVY schemes, was supposed to hold 5,000 MT of produce. However, it has never been made functional. Today, it stands in ruins, overtaken by reptiles and disrepair.

“If the cold storage had worked, we would not be selling our fruits at throwaway prices,” said Durai Tadingi, echoing the frustration of many.

Another farmer, Vendi Tadingi, added, “We work hard in our fields, but without government support and storage facilities, our efforts are wasted every season.”

Farmers also feel abandoned by ORMAS, which was meant to provide market linkage and promotional support. “Every year we hear promises, but when the season comes, no one helps us,” complained Rume Tadingi.

The Odisha government has announced a Rs 252 crore state-wide revitalisation plan, which includes reviving non-functional cold storage facilities. Farmers hope Rayagada will benefit from this initiative.

“We only want a fair price for our fruits. If the cold storage in Tumbiguda is revived, it can change our lives,” said Tamiga Tadingi.

Adding to this, Bija Tadingi said, “We don’t want to depend on middlemen. We want direct market access so that our hard work pays off.”

Until then, the story of distress sales is likely to repeat year after year, keeping Rayagada’s farmers trapped in a cycle of exploitation and loss.