Farmers in Chikkaballapur, a district known for its profitable tomato cultivation, are facing a severe crisis as domestic and international demand for tomatoes has drastically dropped. Despite a bumper harvest and high-quality produce this season, market prices have nosedived, causing financial despair among cultivators.
Last year’s price surge encouraged many farmers in Chikkaballapur and neighbouring Kolar to increase tomato acreage in hopes of high returns. However, this year’s situation has flipped. A 15 kg crate of tomatoes is now selling for a mere ₹100–₹150, far below break-even prices. The cost of cultivating tomatoes per acre exceeds ₹50,000, covering seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, labour, and transport—often funded through loans. With prices this low, farmers are unable to recover even a fraction of their investment.
The downturn has had devastating consequences. Many tomatoes are left to rot in the fields due to lack of buyers. Some farmers have even abandoned or destroyed their crops out of frustration. Once a hub for tomato exports—usually shipping two to three containers a year—this year has seen no such movement.
The local markets are silent, and traders are unable to clear stock. Farmers are now making a desperate appeal to the state government for urgent intervention, including financial assistance, market support, and better infrastructure to manage gluts.
“We toil to feed the nation, but we are left helpless,” said one distraught farmer, capturing the mood of the region.
This crisis not only highlights the fragility of agricultural markets, but also the need for sustainable support mechanisms like minimum price assurance, crop diversification programs, and improved cold storage infrastructure.
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