Pumpkin Farmers in Bokakhat Face Crisis as Prices Plunge and Crops Rot

Pumpkin farmers in Bokakhat, home to Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, are struggling as heavy rains and lack of markets cause large harvests to rot. Despite hopes to double exports this year, prices fell drastically, forcing many to use pumpkins as cattle fodder. Farmer Montu Bora blames middlemen for monopolizing the market and urges the government to set up processing industries and ensure fair prices. Experts suggest using pumpkin byproducts for feed and pharmaceuticals, but farmers lack awareness and support.