Arrival of Peas from Shimla-Sirmaur Region Increases in Vegetable Markets, Farmers Reap Good Prices

Shimla, 26th March — The arrival of fresh peas from the Shimla-Sirmaur region, particularly from areas along the Sirmour border in Junga tehsil, has seen a significant increase in local vegetable markets. Farmers are receiving favorable prices, offering them hope despite the challenges posed by weather conditions this season.

On Wednesday, peas were fetching an average price of Rs 40 to 45 per kilogram at Solan and Dhali vegetable markets, a price increase compared to previous seasons. This uptick in prices has brought some relief to farmers, especially considering the challenges they have faced due to an unusually dry winter.

Challenges from Weather Conditions

This year’s pea crop has been significantly affected by a lack of rainfall during the winter months. According to progressive farmers such as Dayaram Verma and Pritam Thakur, while the yield has been average, the crop was ready earlier than expected—approximately two weeks ahead of the usual schedule. This early maturation of the peas has contributed to a bumper harvest, but the lack of adequate rainfall has impacted the overall quantity and size of the peas.

Despite these challenges, the farmers are witnessing better prices in the market. Vinod Kumar Aadti, another farmer from the region, mentioned that the price of peas reached Rs 45 to 50 per kilogram on Wednesday. However, he noted that hailstorms in several areas had affected the color of the pea pods, turning them white and reducing their visual appeal, which in turn impacted the prices in some areas.

Market Trends and Regional Impact

Peas grown in the Junga area, a prominent region for vegetable farming in Himachal Pradesh, are primarily sent to Solan, the state’s largest vegetable market. The season for peas is now at its peak, with the first crop making its way into markets by the last week of March and into early April. Farmers are hopeful that this price trend will continue, as peas from the region remain in high demand due to their fresh quality.

While the total pea yield this year has decreased compared to last season, transporters like Pradeep Bragta indicate that farmers are still receiving favorable prices. “Even though the overall yield is down, the price farmers are getting this year is relatively better,” Bragta explained.

Support for Farmers from the Agriculture Department

To assist farmers, the Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Department has made the HPM-1 variety of pea seeds available on subsidy in Mashobra block, an area heavily involved in pea farming. The seeds, which normally retail for Rs 130 per kilogram, are being offered at a subsidized rate of Rs 80 per kilogram, making them more accessible to farmers looking to enhance their yields for future seasons.

In the coming weeks, as the pea season winds down, the farming community in the region is looking forward to the arrival of other crops like tomatoes, capsicum, and French beans. The favorable prices for peas this year, coupled with the support from the government, are expected to boost the morale of farmers and provide them with the financial stability needed to continue investing in their crops.

Overall, despite the setbacks caused by less-than-ideal weather conditions, the early harvest and good prices for peas in Shimla and Sirmaur districts are a positive sign for farmers and the local agricultural economy.