Farmers in Ravulapalem are reporting increased exploitation by middlemen at the local banana market, a key trading hub for East and West Godavari districts. The growing influence of these intermediaries in the market yard is causing financial losses for cultivators.
The Ravulapalem market yard was established by the Telugu Desam government in the 1980s to address similar issues. At that time, private traders and middlemen were exploiting farmers, leading the government to create a direct selling platform for farmers.
However, in recent times, middlemen have re-emerged between farmers and traders. They are asserting control over banana bunches, dictating prices, and profiting from both sides by buying low from farmers and selling high to traders.
Farmers lament that while middlemen are accumulating wealth, they themselves are struggling to even earn daily wages. They express deep concern over this widening disparity.
Farmers are appealing to market yard officials to provide necessary facilities and eliminate the menace of middlemen, allowing them to sell their produce at fair prices. They allege that officials are currently neglecting their duties.
Farmers are demanding immediate intervention from authorities to monitor the market yard and curb the exploitation by middlemen. They urge prompt action to resolve this ongoing issue.
