Hans News Service Belagavi

Theongoing conflict in the Middle East has begun to impact farmers in Belagavi district, with vegetable growers facing severe losses due to a sudden collapse in demand. Farmers in villages such as Kadoli, Jafarwadi, Gondawadi, Belagundi, Handigund, Yellur and Uchgaon are now destroying their cabbage crops as traders refuse to purchase the produce.

According to farmers, the price of cabbage has plummeted drastically in recent weeks. While a 70-kg sack fetches barely ₹100 in the wholesale market, retail prices have dropped to just ₹1–₹2 per kg. This is a sharp fall from ₹40–₹50 per kg just three months ago. The decline reportedly began around two weeks after the escalation of war in the Middle East. The fall in demand has been attributed to disruptions in the hospitality sector. Many hotels and small eateries have reduced or halted cooking activities due to LPG cylinder shortages, leading to a drop in vegetable consumption. Additionally, Belagavi-grown vegetables, which are usually despatched to states like Maharashtra, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh, are now witnessing poor demand from outside markets as well.

Frustrated by mounting losses, farmers have started destroying standing crops using rotators or allowing cattle to graze on them. Farmer Appasaheb Desai expressed anguish over the situation, saying the emotional and financial distress has left cultivators devastated. He pointed out that farmers invest months of hard work, only to see their produce go unsold. Another farmer, Mohan Kademani, said the cost of cultivation has become unbearable. “We spend nearly ₹45,000 to ₹50,000 per acre, including saplings, fertilisers, labour and irrigation. For two acres, I expected returns of at least ₹2 lakh, but now traders are refusing to buy. We are forced to destroy the crop,” he said, urging the government to announce compensation and minimum support prices for vegetables.

Officials from the Horticulture Department acknowledged the crisis. Joint Director Mahantesh Muragod said cabbage is grown extensively in the district, covering thousands of hectares across seasons. He noted that the war has disrupted demand, causing price crashes and distress among farmers.

He assured that officials will assess the situation on the ground and report to the government for necessary action. The crisis has once again highlighted the vulnerability of farmers to global events, with many now demanding urgent government intervention to prevent further losses.