Punjab Farmers Forge New Path with Green Chilli Exports to Middle East
In a significant move to enhance their income, approximately two dozen chilly growers from the Ferozepur region in Punjab are poised to begin exporting green chillies internationally. The inaugural shipment, weighing 15 tonnes, is scheduled for dispatch to the Middle East on Monday through an established export house.
Formation of Farmer Producer Organisation
The farmers have united under the 'Saragarhi Farmer Producer Company', a farmer producer organisation (FPO) based in Hakumat Singh Wala village, Ferozepur. This collective emerged from an initial group of 20 farmers who came together in May 2023, later formalising into an FPO. They have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with KS Exports, an export house, to facilitate the shipments.
Export Details and Pricing
Under the agreement, the FPO will supply nearly 15 tonnes of green chillies every alternate day at a rate of Rs 28 per kilogram. The first consignment is set for April 20, with expectations that Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Rajya Sabha member Vikramjit Singh Sahney will officiate the flag-off ceremony. The chillies are cultivated in strict adherence to the contract terms between the FPO and the exporter.
Motivation Behind the Export Initiative
Balwinder Singh, a senior member from Mahalam village who spearheaded the export efforts, explained the drivers behind this venture. He noted that farmers faced unstable pricing, with even the Punjab Agro Export Corporation offering around Rs 24 per kg. To secure a more remunerative price, they formed the collective nearly three years ago, culminating in the current export launch. The exported chillies are of the 'Gauri' variety, primarily destined for the United Arab Emirates and Oman in the Middle East.
Agricultural Practices and Crop Details
The green chillies are typically sown in late October or early November, with harvesting commencing in April and extending until late June. Farmers achieve a yield of approximately 110-130 quintals per acre, with the crop cultivated across over 25,000 acres in the Ferozepur district. Previously, traders from Rajasthan and Delhi purchased chillies from the collective, especially after Punjab Agro designated Ferozepur as a chilli cluster.
Future Aspirations and Infrastructure Needs
Looking ahead, the farmers are advocating for government support to establish essential infrastructure. Balwinder Singh emphasised the need for cold storage facilities to preserve chillies for extended periods, as current methods require absorption within a week. Additionally, they are seeking the installation of a drier to enhance processing capabilities. A processing unit is already in the planning stages for the near future, further bolstering their export potential.
