What’s Causing the Price Drop of Karuppu Kavuni Paddy in Tamil Nadu?
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Synopsis
As Tamil Nadu farmers face a steep decline in Karuppu Kavuni rice prices due to off-season planting, the government is urged to intervene. With losses mounting, the future of this heritage crop hangs in the balance. What steps will be taken to protect these struggling farmers?
Key Takeaways
- Karuppu Kavuni prices have dropped significantly due to oversupply.
- Farmers are calling for government intervention to stabilize the market.
- The quality of Karuppu Kavuni is suffering due to off-season cultivation.
- Key districts impacted include Madurai, Tiruchy, and Virudhunagar.
- Without action, both farmers and millers face dire financial consequences.
Chennai, July 29 (NationPress) The recent increase in off-season farming of Karuppu Kavuni, a traditional variety of black rice, has resulted in a dramatic decline in prices. This has left farmers and rice mill owners in southern Tamil Nadu's districts, including Madurai, Tiruchy, and Virudhunagar, facing significant financial challenges.
Usually cultivated during the samba season (September-January), the cultivation of Karuppu Kavuni has shifted, with an increasing number of farmers planting it during the summer months.
This change was primarily motivated by the high market price the rice variety once enjoyed, with wholesale prices ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg. However, an unexpected oversupply has led to a price drop to Rs 35 per kg in Madurai as of Sunday.
An anonymous senior official from the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agri Business mentioned that substantial amounts of paddy from Madurai, Virudhunagar, and adjacent districts are being sold through the Thirumangalam Regulated Market via digital farmgate platforms.
“Currently, approximately 1,600 bags of old stock and 200 bags of new stock, each weighing 66 kg, are awaiting sale,” the official stated.
The absence of buyers has resulted in a backlog of unsold inventory, further pushing down wholesale prices and leaving hundreds of bags sitting in storage as unsold stock.
MSK Bakkiyanathan, representing farmers, has called upon the state government to step in and procure Karuppu Kavuni similarly to the process used for conventional paddy varieties.
“Numerous farmers are struggling as they cannot sell their products in the open market,” he commented.
Ram Kumar, a rice mill owner from Virudhunagar, noted that off-season cultivation has negatively impacted the unique deep-purple hue and grain quality of Karuppu Kavuni.
“Due to the rice lacking its signature qualities, millers are reluctant to buy the stock. Despite purchasing it at a higher price earlier, we now find ourselves forced to sell the processed rice at lower prices,” he explained.
He also urged the government to regulate off-season cultivation of this variety to safeguard its quality and market value.
With prices continuing to decline and demand waning, both farmers and millers are looking to the government for measures to stabilize the market and ensure the sustainability of this heritage grain.
Point of View
It is evident that the transition in farming practices has caused significant economic strain for many Tamil Nadu farmers. While the shift to off-season cultivation was initially promising due to higher market prices, the ensuing oversupply has destabilized the market. It’s crucial that authorities act swiftly to implement measures that can support these farmers and stabilize the prices to preserve the integrity of this traditional crop.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the prices of Karuppu Kavuni dropping?
The prices are dropping due to a surge in off-season cultivation, leading to an oversupply in the market.
What areas are most affected by this price crash?
Farmers and mill owners in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, particularly Madurai, Tiruchy, and Virudhunagar, are facing challenges.
What actions are farmers requesting from the government?
Farmers are urging the government to procure Karuppu Kavuni similarly to conventional paddy varieties to stabilize prices.
How has the quality of Karuppu Kavuni been affected?
Off-season cultivation has impacted the unique color and grain quality of Karuppu Kavuni, making millers hesitant to purchase.
What is the average price of Karuppu Kavuni currently?
The current average price of Karuppu Kavuni is around Rs 35 per kg in Madurai.
