Coimbatore : Upset over the decreased export orders from Srilanka, the potato wholesalers in Mettupalayam have sought the help of the State and Central government to reduce the price of duty leived on export of vegetables which they believe is one of the reason for the fall in export orders.
Coimbatore : Upset over the decreased export orders from Srilanka, the potato wholesalers in Mettupalayam have sought the help of the State and Central government to reduce the price of duty leived on export of vegetables which they believe is one of the reason for the fall in export orders.
Briefing on the issue, Rangasamy, Mettupalayam Potato Mandi Secretary claimed that "In recent times, Pakistan and China have captured the markets of Potato export to Srilanka. Owing to which the export orders for Nilgiris potato have taken a huge hit."
He also noted that apart from Nilgiris, potatoes yielded from various other places such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Agra, Kolar are brought to Mettupalayam market.
"Potatoes cultivated in the district of Nilgiris are very famous. Based on the quality, we seggregate the potatoes and fix prices. The top quality potatoes fetch higher price and have earned a year long demand from neighbouring countries like Srilanka while the 2nd and 3rd grade potatoes are sold to various parts of our country.", he added.
"During a good season, we have exported 700 to 800 tonnes of potatoes from Mettupalayam wholesale market.
But in recent times, Potato exporters are are facing crunch economical situations, as bulk orders from Srilanka had gone to Pakistan and China. The import tax for the Potatoes sent from Mettupalayam is regarded to be very high, as Rs 50 per kg goes towards taxes. Earlier, traders from Mettupalayam had exported Potatoes 45 kgs at Rs. 1800 - 2000. However, the same quantity is sold at Rs. 900 - 1300 which is indeed a huge disappointment for the traders and farmers", opined Rangasamy, Secretary of the council.
Briefing on the issue, Rangasamy, Mettupalayam Potato Mandi Secretary claimed that "In recent times, Pakistan and China have captured the markets of Potato export to Srilanka. Owing to which the export orders for Nilgiris potato have taken a huge hit."
He also noted that apart from Nilgiris, potatoes yielded from various other places such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Agra, Kolar are brought to Mettupalayam market.
"Potatoes cultivated in the district of Nilgiris are very famous. Based on the quality, we seggregate the potatoes and fix prices. The top quality potatoes fetch higher price and have earned a year long demand from neighbouring countries like Srilanka while the 2nd and 3rd grade potatoes are sold to various parts of our country.", he added.
"During a good season, we have exported 700 to 800 tonnes of potatoes from Mettupalayam wholesale market.
But in recent times, Potato exporters are are facing crunch economical situations, as bulk orders from Srilanka had gone to Pakistan and China. The import tax for the Potatoes sent from Mettupalayam is regarded to be very high, as Rs 50 per kg goes towards taxes. Earlier, traders from Mettupalayam had exported Potatoes 45 kgs at Rs. 1800 - 2000. However, the same quantity is sold at Rs. 900 - 1300 which is indeed a huge disappointment for the traders and farmers", opined Rangasamy, Secretary of the council.