Tomato farmers across the Telugu states are facing severe distress as prices have crashed sharply within days. Rates that offered hope earlier have now fallen to single digits, pushing growers into losses. With cultivation costs rising, farmers say the sudden dip has shattered their expectations.
The situation has turned serious in Krishna district, particularly in Mopidevi mandal of the Avanigadda constituency. Tomato sales have slowed, and buyers show little interest in local produce. At Rythu Bazaars, consumers pay around ₹14 per kilogram. However, traders offer farmers only ₹5 or ₹6 per kilogram. Because of this gap, growers struggle to cover even basic expenses.
Farmers accuse authorities of allowing tomatoes from other regions into local Rythu Bazaars. They say this practice blocks sales of locally grown produce. As a result, many farmers return home without selling their harvest. Some even dump tomatoes due to a lack of buyers, which adds to their losses.
Growers have now appealed to officials and public representatives to step in without delay. They want strict checks at Rythu Bazaars to keep middlemen away. Farmers argue that these markets exist to protect them, not to favour traders.
According to tomato growers, a minimum purchase price of ₹20 per kilogram would offer relief. Without fair pricing, they warn that many farmers may stop growing tomatoes altogether. For now, they continue to wait, hoping for quick action to save their crops and livelihoods.
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