Farmers disappointed as prices of grapes, jaggery remain unchanged during Holi

Every year during Holi, the prices of agricultural produce usually surge. However, this year, the prices of them did not rise leading to a disappointment among the farmers. As per information, festivals like Dhulivandan, Gudi Padwa, and Akshay Tritiya amplify the demand for agricultural goods. Normally, around Holi, prices of currants, sugar, and jaggery go up in the market. However, this year defied expectations.

The prices of Currant stagnated at Rs 110 to 170 per kg, with an anticipated spike from Rs. 130 to Rs. 270. Yet, merely 30 percent of the produce found buyers, prompting many grapes growers to opt for storing them due to poor prices.

Meanwhile, the jaggery market in Kolhapur and Karad, renowned for quality, saw no price hike this year. Prices remained stable at Rs 3800 to 4000 per quintal. This stagnation disappointed farmers, as they failed to reap sufficient profits.

Production costs soared due to escalating wages and transportation expenses, exacerbating the farmers’ plight. Despite these challenges, jaggery prices failed to meet expectations, exacerbating farmers’ woes. Viraj Patil, a jaggery producer from Karad, lamented the lack of profitability this season.

The anticipation of higher prices during Holi failed to materialize this year, leaving farmers grappling with stagnant markets and rising costs. As festivals like Dhulivandan and Gudi Padwa loom ahead, farmers hope for better fortunes in the agricultural markets.