Tamil Nadu: Nutmeg farmers form farmer producer organisation, reap rich reward

COIMBATORE: Nutmeg farmers in the Pollachi region, who came together to form a farmer producer organisation (FPO) last year, have reaped profit and sold the produce at a higher price compared to their peers.
While other farmers sold 1kg of nutmeg up to 440, 40 farmers of Arulmigu Someshwarar Farmer Producer Company (ASFPC) sold it at 470.
It was possible because of the higher volume, which placed them in a better position while bargaining. Moreover, they did away with the usual traders from neighbouring Kerala and sold to a big trader.
The farmers sold 13.7 tonnes of nutmeg and 330kg of mace at 76 lakh a week ago. Farmers said that they were in a better position in bargaining as they had a large volume to sell. Of the 70 nutmeg farmers in the association, only 40 sold the produce.
ASFPC was formed with the help of Isha Outreach programme, secretary R Ranjith Kumar said. “The farmers were initially hesitant to join the FPO. We helped farmers in other places to sell their produce at a good price. We will be in a better position next time as the volume is expected to increase. We are planning to sell nuts after removing its external layer as it will fetch 20 more for every kilogram,” he said.
Nutmeg cultivation started 30 years ago in Anamalai. Large-scale farmers, who started cultivation after learning the trade from Kerala, initially did not encourage other farmers. Presently, as many as 100 farmers are involved in the cultivation.
Now, Anamalai is known for high-quality nutmegs, grown as intercrop in coconut farms.