Chinese veggies, a ‘cash’ crop for Nilgiris

There is an increasing patronage for growing Chinese veggies in the only hill district of Tamil Nadu as it has proven to be an extremely lucrative venture for the farmers. A spurt in local consumption and rising export potential have boosted the demand for such vegetables. Moreover, tourists’ preference for Chinese cuisine is also a key factor. 

“Almost 10 per cent of local farmers are growing Chinese vegetables. Also, these exotic vegetables are exported to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Singapore and Dubai in huge quantities,” said Thumbur I Bhojan, president of Hill District Small Farmers Welfare Association.   

For ages, carrots, potato and beetroot, remained favourites of farmers. Now, artichoke, celery, broccoli, brussels sprout, Chinese cabbage (Iceberg) and kale are grown here.  It started when seed companies from abroad set up shops in Ooty to promote exotic vegetables on commercial lines. 

“The salubrious climate and its moist soil texture are conducive for these vegetables. Now farmers in Kodaikanal are also following The Nilgiris in growing them. The lure is strong, as they (Chinese vegetables) need less maintenance and are short term crops,” said K Prakash, a farmer from Ooty. 

With over 20,000 small scale farmers taking up Chinese vegetable cultivation, the hill district produces around 10 tonnes on a daily basis. “Potato and beetroot, are now supplied at ‘throwaway prices’ by Gujarat and Karnataka. Hence, farmers have moved over to exotic vegetables, but that too has its setbacks. For broccoli, sold for Rs 300 a kg a few months ago, now fetches just Rs 100 per kg following huge production,” said another farmer. 

The farmers have urged the State to set up cold storage facility to prevent wastage and loss during bulk harvest. Shiva Subramaniam Samraj, Joint Director (in-charge), Horticulture Department, The Nilgiris, said the department has been promoting exotic vegetable farming in the hill district as they fetch a better price. 

“Farmers are imparted training in this method and even given technical guidance. Most are into ‘contract farming’, in which the private firm provides seedlings and purchases their produce. The demand for exotic vegetables is driven by its usage in posh hotels across TN,” said the official.