Pepper farming proves profitable for tribals

Pepper cultivation has emerged as a profitable avenue for farmers in the Alluri Sitarama Raju district, particularly among the predominantly tribal community. These farmers have successfully achieved high-quality organic pepper yields in tandem with their coffee cultivation initiatives.
A noteworthy outcome has been the production of approximately 10,000 metric tonnes of premium pepper as an intercrop for every 35,000 to 40,000 metric tonnes of coffee, significantly bolstering the district’s overall agricultural output. Recognising the significance of securing favourable prices for tribal farmers engaged in organic black pepper cultivation, a key discussion unfolded during a recent meeting between the Alluri Sitarama Raju district administration and Spices Board officials.
During the virtual meeting, District Collector Sumit Kumar said remunerative prices should be offered for tribal farmers involved in cultivating high-quality black pepper using organic methods. He underscored the need to fortify the Spices Board and provide essential infrastructure to facilitate the expansion of black pepper cultivation in the region.
“The tribal farmers in the district are cultivating a diverse range of crops, including rice, turmeric, rajma, ginger, pulses, horticultural crops, coffee, and pepper. While the district presently produces pepper products valued at approximately Rs 500 crore, it lacks sufficient government machinery and infrastructure,” Collector Sumit Kumar said.
Underscoring the potential for increased income and financial security for farmers, the Collector stressed the importance of investments in spice cultivation in tribal areas. He urged officials to conduct training programmes for village agriculture and horticulture assistants, ensuring remunerative prices for both coffee and pepper.
Despite favourable international market prices for pepper, tribal farmers reportedly receive only Rs. 400 to Rs. 500 per kg. In response, the Collector urged officials to take proactive measures to augment farmers’ income.
Spices Board Assistant Commissioners, Kuldeep Roy and Vijeeshna, outlined plans to distribute aluminium ladders and pepper threshing machines to coffee and pepper farmers under the STDF project. Additionally, they announced the provision of 20,000 pepper plants and tarpaulins to tribal farmers, along with efforts to strengthen marketing facilities in the Paderu division.
The meeting was attended by District Agriculture Officer SBS Nand, District Horticulture and Forest Officer A Ramesh Kumar Rao, Spices Board Senior Field Level Officer Boddu Kalyani, Coffee Board Deputy Director Ramesh, Spices Board Assistant Director Vijeesha, Food and Agriculture Organisation National Project Manager Viny Singh, DPM Bhaskara Rao, exporters, importers, and other stakeholders, concluded with a commitment to advancing the economic prospects of tribal farmers in the district.