The perennially drought-hitPalnaduregion of Guntur district has emerged as capital for production of pulses in the state. The presence of over 50 dal (pulse) mills is helping a large number of local farmers to switch to pulse cultivation as it is giving them decent profits.
The farmers in the region usually are dependent on such as Cotton and chilli but are now slowly moving to cultivation of red gram and green gram.
The cultivation of pulses is saving Money for farmers. Growing cotton and chilli has become a gamble due to frequent fall in prices. The cultivation of chilli and cotton require massive Investment, pushing farmers into a debt trap whenever the crop gets damaged or prices dip in the market. Chilli and cotton prices are witnessing severe fluctuation every alternate year leaving farmers in distress.
According to sources, the dal mill Industry is making a turnover of over Rs 3,000 crore every year as the millers are exporting stocks to various states and overseas.