Keonjhar: Discouraged by distress sale of tomatoes, farmers in some pockets of Keonjhar district have stopped cultivating the vegetable this year.
While farmers alleged that they have lost their livelihood out of compulsion, supplies from other states cater to the demands of the local people.
It may be noted here that the distress sale of tomato in Keonjhar had rocked the State Assembly. Last year, the government did not pay compensation when the farmers had to sell the vegetable for only Rs 10 a kg. Now, it is sold for anything between Rs 30 to Rs 40 a kg.
Traders are bringing tomatoes from Bihar and Jharkhand. A tray of tomatoes containing 27 kg is sold to local traders for Rs 400. Finally, the common people are at the receiving end, by paying through their nose.
Experts said that had the government encouraged the local farmers with market support and procurement, both the farmers and consumers would not have been suffering so much.
Traders are collecting tomatoes from villages and markets in Ranchi and selling them in Keonjhar. Earlier, tomatoes produced here were being supplied to Angul, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Sambalpur.
“As local tomato is not available, we have to bring it from outside and sell it in the local markets,” said Santosh Kumar Nath, a trader. Traders from other states are raking in the moolah, Nath added.
Farmers said if the government ensures supply of tomatoes to hostels of schools and colleges and sets up cold storages and food processing units, it would be a beneficial for cultivators.
Besides, provision of cold storages and food processing units will create employment opportunities in the farm sector, they observed.
PNN
