Surge in Capsicum Prices Brings Cheer to Junga Farmers

Farmers in the Junga region are celebrating a sharp rise in capsicum prices, which nearly doubled in a single day. On Thursday, capsicum fetched up to ₹70 per kilogram in Solan, the state’s largest vegetable market. This marks a significant jump from the ₹30–₹35 per kilogram range seen over the past three days, and a dramatic increase from last week’s price of just ₹15 per kilogram.

Currently, cash crops such as tomatoes, capsicum, and French beans from Junga are being supplied to major markets in Delhi, Panipat, and Chandigarh, in addition to Solan. On Thursday, French beans also saw improved rates, selling between ₹40 and ₹60 per kilogram for high-quality produce. Tomatoes were priced between ₹500 and ₹800 per crate in Solan and Sanora markets. However, the influx of tomatoes has surged, with 6,000 to 10,000 crates arriving daily from various parts of the state.

Progressive farmers like Manohar Singh Thakur and Pritam Singh Thakur expressed optimism, noting that stable prices for tomatoes, French beans, and capsicum could lead to substantial profits. They recalled that tomato crates were selling for as much as ₹1,400 last week, but prices have since dropped to around ₹800.

Arhatiya Vinod Sharma cautioned that the increased supply of tomatoes and capsicum might lead to a price dip. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that farmers are receiving better returns for cash crops this year compared to last. Meanwhile, garlic prices have remained stagnant for the past month, with top-quality garlic selling for up to ₹110 per kilogram, medium quality at ₹60–₹80, and garlic bulbs at ₹40–₹60.