Amaravati, March 04, 2026: Farmers in Nellore district who grew the Priyanka chilli variety this season hoped for recovery after two years of losses.
Good weather, borewell irrigation, and filter points delivered expected yields in villages like Maddali, Venkannapalem, and Kesavaram.
Early sales hit Rs 55,000 per tonne in wholesale markets, including supplies to Chennai's Koyambedu and Bengaluru.
Increased arrivals soon flooded markets. Prices dropped sharply to Rs 35,000 per tonne wholesale, with retail falling below Rs 30 per kg.
Middlemen now control rates, cutting farmer bargaining power. Many invested around Rs 1.5 lakh per acre in seeds, fertilisers, labour, and transport.
Current returns barely cover costs, let alone loans. Some farmers sell green chillies early or drive produce directly to distant markets hoping for better deals around Rs 40,000 per tonne.
