The low prices of tomatoes distressed farmers from Nirmal and Adilabad (Telangana), who were seen dumping the produce on the road. The farmers expressed their distress by throwing the tomato produce on the road on Friday and then on Saturday, they threw the crops as well. One of the farmers urged that the government should come to their rescue and help them get the prices they deserve.
In a protest against the low prices, farmers threw away baskets filled with their tomato produce. However, some farmers are letting their castles feed on the tomatoes. The farmers claimed that the price they are being offered for the tomatoes is not even covering the cost of transportation. Some three months ago, tomatoes were being sold at Rs. 50 per kg.
Farmers said that they were growing vegetables instead of paddy as the government had asked them to cultivate alternated crops.
And now, they are not even getting their investment back. The main areas of tomato cultivation are Mudhole and Bhainsa. A farmer let his cattle feed on the two-acre agricultural land as the farmers refuse to sell their produce at such a low price and would rather let it waste away.
Up until last month, tomatoes were being sold at Rs 1000 per quintal, however, it has dropped down to Rs 300 per quintal due to an oversupply of tomatoes. Farmers who harvest tomatoes have to also hire labor, but because they are not getting paid, some have stopped harvesting the fruit because labor is an additional cost.
According to analysts, prices have dropped as a result of the excess of tomatoes on the market.
