Bhojpur. Farmers here are worried after the price of chiraito, a multi-purpose herb found in Lekali region, has decreased significantly this year. Chiraito, which has become the main source of income for the farmers for the past few years, has disappointed the farmers involved in farming as they did not get the price as expected this time.

Gunaraj Raut, a farmer of Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality-1, Timma, informed that last year, 40 kg of chiraito was sold for up to Rs. 

According to him, although there is no significant decrease in production, farmers have been greatly affected by the decrease in market demand and unstable prices. "Compared to last year, the price of chiraito has decreased a lot this year", Raut said, "After the price decrease, the problem has increased for us farmers."

He said that he kept 15 of the chiraitos he produced in the warehouse without selling them in the hope of increasing the price. Raut, who is currently cultivating chiraito in 20 plantation areas, aims to produce around 40 manats next year. 

Accding to him, despite the fluctuation in prices, the average annual income from Chiraitokheti is Rs 3 to 4 lakh. But he says that if the prices continue to fall this year, there is a risk of a big drop in income.

Under Temkemaiung-1, Sumlikha, Khambukha, Sawa and other Lekali areas of Timma are considered suitable for Chiraitokheti. According to local farmers, around 1000 tons of chiraito are produced annually from this area. Chiraito has been established as a cash crop for most of the farmers here.

According to local experts, Chiraito is considered useful for home treatment of various diseases. Its leaves, stems and roots are used in fever, asthma, cold, diabetes, burning urine, stomach problems and other diseases. Due to its high medicinal properties, it is in demand in the country and abroad.

Businessmen say that Chiraito produced here is exported to countries including India, China and Bangladesh. However, due to the increase in international market prices, transportation costs and lack of proper market management, the farmers are complaining that they are not getting a fair price.