Rajasthanproduces about 40% of cumin and isabgol and over 40% raw materials for ceramic in the country but the mandis of the agri commodities and the manufacturing units that use the Minerals tiles and sanitaryware thrive in Gujarat. Farmers and entrepreneurs said despite the state having such a large resource base, it is not only losing economic benefits, but depriving common people of potential livelihood opportunities.
Choudhary said its not always they make profits. The crop is susceptible to wind speed and rain. On Average, farmers lose 20-25% of crops to natural adversities. In the best conditions, they make a profit of Rs 8000-9000 in an acre. But thats occasionally. Being farmers, our voices do not count. So, we cannot form committees. In all these years, nobody has thought of establishing mandis, said Choudhary.
In fact, Rajasthan produces about 40% of the countrys cumin with large volumes coming from districts like Barmer, Jaisalmer, Nagore and Jalore. Gujarats production is higher than Rajasthan, though.
Morbi in Gujarat has become the leading centre for manufacturing of ceramic tiles and sanitary ware industry. According to research and consulting firm IMARC, the Indian tiles, sanitary ware and bathroom fittings market is valued at $7,516 million in 2021 and is expected to grow over 8% in the coming years.