TIWN
Agartala, June 22 (TIWN): Hundreds of pineapple growers are reeling under crisis like situation due to lack of proper mechanism to sale their products.
Pineapple cultivation has become a tradition for Darlong ethnic tribe living at 82 Mile, Kanchancherra, Darchoi and Nalakata under Kumarghat subdivision.
Hundreds of acres of land are covered with juicy pineapple in different sloppy tribal hamlets in Kumarghat subdivision. And, villagers used to earn good money during the season but the situation has changed a lot over the years.
With NERAMAC struggling, hundreds of pineapple growers are facing tough time to earn money by selling pineapples. In fact, substantial number of pineapples has been decaying due to sharp decline in the demand.
According to the growers, Kumarghat agri subdivision is expected to produce 30 lakh pineapples this year but the demand the very less following beleaguered condition of the NERAMAC.
Pineapple growers want the government to come forward to widen the marketing facilities so that they could get reasonable price. “We are facing trouble to sale pineapple with reasonable price after the ‘collapse’ of NERAMAC. The government must come forward to address our problem”, said Alrimpi Darlong.
Another pineapple grower- Joychung Darlong said, “Pineapple cultivation could bring a sea change in the rural economy if the government sets food processing unit at Kumarghat. Unfortunately, it seems the government is not interested in lending helping hand to pineapple growers”.
If the situation continues, the pineapple growers might opt for rubber cultivation to earn their livelihood which will have an adverse impact on the ecological balance in the area, he said.
According to agriculture department, pineapple production might witness sharp fall due to adverse climatic condition this year. “ Though monsoon hit the state ahead of schedule, shower was less during the pre-monsoon season. Besides, most of the growers have lost interest in raising pineapple cultivation fearing heavy loss.