Farmers celebrate rising prices for mountain peas amid challenging weather

Mountain peas from the Sirmaur border in Junga tehsil are now reaching various markets across the state, bringing good news for farmers who are getting favorable prices. The average rate of peas in Solan and Dhali vegetable markets on Wednesday ranged from ₹40 to ₹45 per kilogram.

Despite the challenges posed by less rainfall during winter, which significantly affected the pea crop, farmers are optimistic. Progressive farmers Dayaram Verma and Pritam Thakur noted that the yield has been average this year, but the crop matured about two weeks earlier than expected.

Vinod Kumar Aadhati reported that the price of peas surged on Wednesday, with peas from Shimla and Sirmaur regions selling for ₹45 to ₹50 per kilogram. However, hailstorms in several areas have caused the pea pods to turn white, impacting the prices farmers receive.

Transporter Pradeep Bragta mentioned that although the pea crop yield is slightly lower compared to last year, farmers are still benefiting from good prices. Typically, the first crop of peas from the Junga area appears in late March and early April, followed by tomatoes, capsicum, and French beans.

The Agriculture Department has supported farmers by providing HPM-1 variety pea seeds at a subsidized rate of ₹80 per kilogram, compared to the market price of ₹130 per kilogram, particularly in the Mashobra block area.

This season, despite the hurdles, farmers are hopeful and looking forward to a fruitful harvest.