Untimely rains bring difference in Bastar trade

Untimely rains that Bastar region has been observing in last one month has affected the quality of tamarind and the tribals selling the forest produce are not getting reasonable price.

Following rains, the colour of tamarind has changed and hence the small traders purchasing the produce from the Haat Bazaar (the weekly market organized in the rural belts) are faltering to do the business. The small traders fear they would not get the price in the Mandi where they would finally sell.

As per the trade practice in Bastar, tribals travel miles to attend the weekly market carrying the produce. The small traders procure in the weekly market after bargain and sell it to the mandi at district headquarters for a better price. The maximum flow is reported from Sukma and Bhairamgarh pockets.

The red zone of Bastar had been known for producing best quality of tamarind. According to experts, tamarind no longer remains only a forest produce as tribals have started planting it for commercial use. On average, a tamarind tree fetch Rs 3000 to them every year, the experts added.

The estimated volume of trade from tamarind in Bastar region had been calculated at Rs 3000 crore every year. The Chhattisgarh government had been taking a number of measures to promote tamarind-related trade including setting up processing unit for value addition and more return.