Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, tomato farmers in Kolar have made a firm statement by halting exports to Pakistan. This decision follows the Indian government's cancellation of the Indus River Water Treaty, intensifying bilateral disputes. Kolar, a major tomato-producing region, typically sends 800 to 900 tons of tomatoes daily to Pakistan. However, in a show of solidarity with the central government and the victims of the attack, local farmers have pledged to stop the trade completely, declaring, "We will not send even a single tomato to Pakistan." They have expressed readiness to face losses and lower prices during the peak harvest in June to support the national stance and condemn terrorism.
While the central government had already restricted tomato exports to Pakistan, the farmers' voluntary action underscores their unity and patriotic resolve. Their move is seen as a strong grassroots response to national issues, emphasizing the role of rural communities in political expression.
After a year-long pause, Kolar is now set to resume tomato exports to Bangladesh, with a clear stipulation: the trade must not be redirected to Pakistan. The Kolar Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), the second-largest tomato trade hub in South Asia after Pimpalgaon in Nashik, has made this position clear. "Tomato exports to Pakistan stopped about three years ago. Exports to Nepal and Bangladesh also ceased a year ago. In about a month, exports to Bangladesh will resume, but not to Pakistan," said M Narayanaswamy, president of the Tomato Traders and Growers Association. He added that domestic demand remains strong, so there is no significant loss for farmers or traders.
Exports to Bangladesh were earlier halted due to political unrest and increased local production in that country, which had lowered demand. With seasonal shifts now creating renewed demand, Kolar expects exports to rise. From June to October, around 400 to 500 tons of tomatoes are transported daily from the Kolar APMC. Farmers, including CMR Srinath, have reaffirmed their willingness to sell produce at lower prices within India to safeguard national interests. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi buyers are reportedly willing to pay up to $1.14 per kg and accept additional costs, provided the tomatoes are not resold to Pakistan — a previous practice that Indian traders are now firmly rejecting.
Source 1: IBC World News
Source 2: New Indian Express
