Banana farmers destroy crops in Sangareddy due to price crash

A steep fall in banana prices has pushed farmers across Sangareddy district into heavy losses, forcing many to destroy their crops even before harvest.

Banana is cultivated in more than 500 acres in the district, largely in Zaheerabad, Kohir and Mogudampally mandals. 

Farmers usually earn between Rs.8 and Rs.12 per kg for bananas, roughly



eight fruit per kg. However, prices have plunged to Rs.3 per kg, leaving growers confused and distressed.

Despite their low returns, vendors in Zaheerabad, Sangareddy and nearby areas are selling a dozen bananas for Rs.60 to Rs.80, while farmers are unable to get even Rs.10 per dozen. Farmers allege that the involvement of middlemen has wiped out any chance of profit.