Lasalgaon and Pimpalgaon in Nashik district are two of India’s largest tomato markets during the monsoons season. However, farmers are getting only about Rs 3/kg to Rs 5/kg for their produce, which is not even enough to cover the transport cost.
“Farmers are preferring to throw away the tomatoes instead of incurring the heavy cost of transporting them to the markets. The state government as well as the opposition parties from the state do not have time for this issue. The government should explore solutions like giving some financial support or working with processors to use the produce,” said Ajit Navale of Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha.
India’s export of tomatoes to Pakistan has stopped for the past three years. Lasalgaon APMC chairman Suvarna Jagtap has demanded that the central government forward to expedite export of tomatoes, which in turn can help support prices.
Ashok Koshik Ganor, president of the Tomato Traders Association, Azadpur, said, “Tomatoes currently reaching Delhi or other cities, which are located far away from the growing areas, are not able to reach in good condition. The crop was earlier affected due to excess rainfall and now it has suddenly ripened so much that it cannot remain firm through the journey. We are not able to send enough quantities northward towards Jammu or Haryana.”
The month-on-month potato prices too are ruling 50% below the levels they ruled in 2020 due to excess production and subdued demand. “There are huge stocks in the cold storages, while the next crop is also expected to be bumper. With low seed prices, farmers are likely to increase area under the crop. Despite such low prices, there is no demand for potatoes in the market,” said Rajinder Sharma, onion and potato trader from Azadpur.
For all the latest Business News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
