KAILALI: Farmers in the region have expressed concern over declining wheat prices, saying they are not receiving fair returns for their produce despite rising production costs.
Farmers who sold wheat at Rs 4,000 per quintal last year are now being forced to sell it for around Rs 3,800 this season. Local farmer Ruplal Chaudhari said the drop in prices has left producers worried, especially after investing significant time and money in cultivation.
He cited multiple challenges, including shortages of chemical fertilizers and seeds, as well as difficulties in ensuring timely irrigation. “We worked hard but are getting a lower price this year,” he said.
Another farmer, Manjit Rawal of Tikapur, blamed the situation on the government’s delay in fixing the minimum support price. He added that storms in recent weeks had also reduced wheat production. Farmers have further complained that collection centers are not offering fair rates, adding to their losses.
Local trader Bhim Bahadur Thakulla said processed (husked) wheat is currently selling at around Rs 3,800 per quintal, while unprocessed wheat is priced at about Rs 3,600, with rates varying depending on quality. Meanwhile, buyer Pahalman Saud said he purchased wheat at Rs 4,200 per quintal, noting that the price is similar to last year and may increase further in the coming days.
Last year, the government had set the minimum support price for wheat at Rs 3,867.38 per quintal, continuing an upward trend from previous years. However, the support price has yet to be fixed for the current season.
Officials at the provincial Ministry of Agriculture said a proposal to determine the support price has already been forwarded to the federal Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply following necessary studies. Moti Singh BK, a technician at the agriculture section of Tikapur Municipality, stressed that timely fixation of the support price is crucial to protect farmers from losses.
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