Tomato prices in the Kurnool district have crashed sharply, pushing farmers into deep financial distress. Prices have fallen to as low as ₹5 to ₹10 per kilogram, leaving cultivators unable to recover even basic harvesting and transportation costs. The sudden collapse has turned tomato cultivation into a loss-making activity for many farmers in the region.
Farmers say that taking produce to markets has become pointless due to extremely low rates. Even after harvesting and transporting tomatoes, returns remain negligible. As a result, distress is spreading across farming communities, especially in tomato-growing mandals.
At the Pattikonda market, tomato prices ranged from ₹10 to ₹20 per kilogram during the first week of January. However, prices have since declined drastically. Wholesale rates dropped to single digits, while retail traders continue selling tomatoes at ₹15 to ₹20 per kilogram. Farmers allege that traders buy produce at throwaway prices and sell it to consumers at much higher rates.
Despite repeated complaints, farmers say authorities have failed to respond. They express frustration over the lack of market regulation and price monitoring. Many growers feel abandoned at a time when support is most needed.
Traders, on the other hand, blame poor quality arrivals for the price fall. They say the current supply lacks uniform size and shelf life, which reduces demand in wholesale markets. However, farmers counter this argument, stating that even good-quality produce fetches low prices due to excess supply and weak procurement mechanisms.
Due to falling prices, several farmers have delayed harvesting their tomato crops. Some have stopped harvesting altogether, fearing higher losses. Cultivators say they cannot afford to invest further when market returns remain uncertain.
The ongoing price crash has raised concerns about farmer sustainability in the United Kurnool district. Farmers are urging the government to intervene, ensure fair pricing, and strengthen market support systems to prevent further losses.
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