In Gadag district, a dramatic protest unfolded on Thursday as farmers vented their frustration over a steep drop in tomato prices. After arriving at the wholesale market in Lakshmeshwar, farmers from Lakshmeshwar, Shirahatti, and surrounding villages were dismayed to learn that prices had plummeted to Rs 2 per kilogram. This stark decline came as a shock, given that just a week prior, tomatoes were selling for Rs 30 per kilogram.
The sharp price drop was attributed to persistent rains, which have severely affected tomato quality. Farmers, who had hoped for better returns, were confronted with an alarming price range of Rs 20 to Rs 30 per crate (25 kg) at the market. Frustrated and disheartened, many farmers chose to dump their tomatoes on the road and head home, as they faced the harsh reality that the market value of their produce would not even cover their transport costs.
This situation is exacerbated by the traders’ refusal to purchase the tomatoes due to their deteriorated quality, a result of continuous rain throughout Gadag district. As a result, prices across wholesale markets in Gadag and neighboring towns have dropped to Rs 3-5 per kilogram. The ongoing rain and market conditions have left farmers struggling to manage their losses and fearing further damage to their crops.
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