Tomato growers in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, are experiencing financial challenges as prices have dropped to unprecedented lows. Following a temporary rise, tomato prices have collapsed, preventing farmers from recovering their investments. While traders face minimal impact, farmers are significantly affected, with many discarding their produce due to unviable market prices.
In Aspari and Pathikonda markets, prices have bottomed out at $0.01–$0.05 per kilogram. The Pattikonda agricultural market recently reported prices as low as $0.01 per kilogram. Marketing officials have closed the Pathikonda market temporarily to manage the situation. Prices previously at $0.24 per kilogram fell to $0.12 last week before reaching current levels.
Despite the market price drop, farmers face a substantial price gap. While they struggle to sell at $0.01 per kilogram, external markets report sales at $0.36 per kilogram. This disparity has heightened local growers' distress, with some discarding tomatoes on market platforms after traders refused to purchase them.
Revenue and marketing officials have intervened to maintain prices above $0.05 per kilogram in some areas, but this has not eased farmers' financial burdens. Transport costs are unsustainable at these low prices, preventing farmers from covering basic investment expenses.
Farmers are appealing to the state government for intervention. K. Urukundu, a farmer from Pathikonda, emphasized the need for a sustainable solution to prevent future losses. He urged the government to revive a previously proposed initiative to establish a tomato processing plant with a $1.45 million budget, stating that it would provide a stable market and help stabilize prices during oversupply periods.
Farmers have also criticized the lack of government action in market auctions, calling on district agricultural marketing officials to ensure fair pricing. Without government support, there is concern that many growers may go out of business, exacerbating rural unemployment and threatening the region's agricultural economy.
The rapid decline in tomato prices has heightened anxiety among Kurnool's farming community. With key markets closed and no immediate solutions, farmers urge authorities to take action to prevent further economic impact in the district.
Source: Deccan Chronicle (Article1)
Source: Hans India (Article 2)