Nuagaon: Tomato farmers are in dire straits as prices crashed to as low as `1 per kilo in tribal-dominated Nuagaon block of Sundargarh district. Incensed by the steep fall in prices, farmers raged against the failure of the government to take effective measures to stabilise prices and implement proper market and infrastructure for tomato farmers.
Adding to the woes of the farmers in Nuagaon block, two mini cold storage units constructed by the ITDA in this block remained closed.
Bumper production of tomatoes in this block this year led to a fall in the demand and prices in local markets, sources said, adding scrapping of high denomination notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 was also a big reason behind the nose-diving of prices.
Sources alleged non-availability of cash in the wake of scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes dented tomato prices, causing hardship to poor farmers.
Many were left in distress and were seen selling tomatoes for Rs 1 per kg, while some were even giving them away for free to people as the price on offer was not enough to bear even the transportation cost let alone production cost. However, situation worsened as many local middlemen and traders were not ready to purchase tomatoes even at Rs 1 per kilo.
Meanwhile, the local administration is reportedly doing little to look at all the options to ensure better markets for farmers for selling of tomatoes. However, officials said prospects were being looked into for proper sale of the vegetable.
Winter is the most ideal season for tomato cultivation. Tomato productivity is very high in this season, which has led to a crash in prices, officials said.
According to sources, a cold storage was constructed in 2008 by the ITDA. Later, again another was constructed in 2013-14 at a cost of Rs 16.30 lakh. However, both the cold storage units are closed, farmers said.
A transformer installed at the cold storage was also reportedly taken away by the electric department.
A refrigerator van used to export tomatoes outside the state is falling to pieces. A committee formed to ensure the van and the cold storage are functioning properly is sitting idle.
Similarly, several pack houses built in all the villages under this block are also seen bolted, farmers said.
President of Krushak Samiti Suktra Oram, Ankurpalli former sarpanch alias farmer Sukdev Eka, Ajit Jojo, farmer Siman Kujur, Subadh Oram criticised the lackadaisical attitude of the administration and demanded immediate steps in this regard. PNN