In Kolar district, India, tomato growers are facing a sudden decline in market prices, creating challenges for local farmers. Over recent years, tomato cultivation in this area has been affected by viral diseases such as the Bingi virus and leaf curl, impacting production levels. Despite investing substantial amounts, farmers often experienced crop failures due to these persistent issues, resulting in financial losses even when market conditions were favorable.
This year, favorable weather conditions have led to a successful start to the tomato season, resulting in a good harvest in Kolar. However, at the Kolar Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) market, prices have decreased sharply. Tomatoes are currently being sold for as low as $0.60, $0.96, and $1.20 per box, making it difficult for farmers to recoup their investments. Consequently, many farmers are leaving their harvested tomatoes in the fields or discarding them by the roadside.
In response, farmers' associations have staged protests, urging the government to implement a minimum support price of at least $0.12 per kilogram for tomatoes. They argue that such a price would help cover their costs and prevent further financial losses. Over the past five years, tomato crops have been severely affected by diseases, reducing market prices and leading some farmers to abandon tomato cultivation entirely.
Meanwhile, farmers from neighboring districts such as Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mysore, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar have increased their tomato cultivation, expecting better prices. This year, with a good harvest from Kolar and surrounding areas, the market is oversupplied with tomatoes, causing prices to drop and leaving farmers disillusioned.
Farmers are appealing to the government to intervene and provide a minimum support price of $0.12 per kilogram to help them recover costs and sustain their livelihoods. After years of battling viral diseases and poor yields, Kolar farmers achieved a promising harvest this year. However, due to the oversupply and declining prices, they are facing financial difficulties and are calling for governmental support for tomato growers.
Source: Hans India