Farmers are happy as the price of peas has increased in Junga
Mountain peas from the Sirmaur border in Junga tehsil are now hitting various markets across the state, and farmers are thrilled with the prices they’re getting. Recently, the price of peas has gone up, with the average rate in Solan and Dhali vegetable markets on Wednesday being around 40 to 45 rupees per kilogram.
This year, the pea crop has faced some challenges due to less rainfall in winter. Farmers from the Junga area, like Dayaram Verma and Pritam Thakur, mentioned that the yield has been average because of the dry winter. Interestingly, the peas were ready about two weeks earlier than usual.
Vinod Kumar Aadhati noted that the price of peas surged on Wednesday, with peas from Shimla and Sirmaur selling for 45 to 50 rupees per kilogram, compared to just 30 rupees a few days ago. Unfortunately, hailstorms in some areas have turned the pea pods white, affecting their market value.
Transporter Pradeep Bragta shared that although the pea crop is slightly less than last year, farmers are still getting good prices. Every year, the first batch of peas from Junga starts coming out in late March and early April. After peas, the season for tomatoes, capsicum, and French beans will begin.
The Agriculture Department has been supportive, providing HPM-1 variety pea seeds on subsidy in the Mashobra block area. Normally priced at 130 rupees per kilogram, these seeds were made available at a subsidized rate of 80 rupees per kilogram.
