Farmers angry over indiscriminate collection of Red Velvet mites

Yadagirigutta: Farmers of the Motakondur village of Yadagirigutta Mandal in Nalgonda district are angry at the middlemen who are rushing to the area surrounding the village to collect the Red Velvet mites, which command a good price in the market. Motakondur village and its surroundings are famous for the availability of the Red Velvet mites.

The farmers are alleging that the middlemen, attracted by the high price, are indulging in indiscriminate collection of this insect which may lead to their extinction.

The sight of this beautiful insect, which is popularly known as ‘Arudra’ in the local parlance, is believed to be a good sign forecasting bountiful rains in the forthcoming season. These mites are also popular as ‘Rain bugs’ in some places.

Attracted by the good price, people are thronging to the area to collect these mites. This has angered farmers who consider themselves to be saviours of these mites.

The farmers feel that the brokers, by their action, are resorting to steps that go against the interests of mother nature. Reacting to the sale of these mites by brokers, Chief Archaka of the Yadadri temple Nallatheegala Lakshminarasimha Charya said that the insect was akin to Lord Shiva and snatching it from the nature amounted to committing sin.