PNS |Chittoor
With tomatoes becoming a highly valued commodity, incidents of theft targeting tomato produce in fields during the night have been on the rise. Madanapalli, located at the AP-Karnataka border, is renowned for its superior tomato cultivation and high-quality tomatoes.
In a proactive measure to protect their tomato crops from theft, farmers in the Madanapalle area have begun staying in their fields overnight. This marks the first time they have taken such measures to safeguard their tomato harvest, according to a group of farmers.
At wholesale markets, a kilogram of tomatoes is now being sold for Rs 150. Depending on their quality, a box of tomatoes weighing 15 kilograms fetches a price of Rs 2000 to Rs 2500 in various markets.
Exploiting the current situation, certain miscreants have taken to stealthily harvesting tomato crops in select fields during the night. To combat this menace, farmers have organised groups to stay in the fields and protect their crops. These farmers can be seen setting up tents and using torchlights to keep a watchful eye over their fields.
While the skyrocketing tomato prices have added to the burden of the middle class and made this essential ingredient less affordable for the common man and the poor, tomato farmers are reaping significant profits.
Farmers revealed to the media that a mere six months ago, they were selling tomatoes for a modest Rs 5 to Rs 8 per kg. Presently, they are commanding a price of Rs 150 per kg. The unprecedented scarcity of tomatoes and the high demand for this commodity in other parts of the State have greatly benefited the farmers, said Venkateswara Rao, a tomato farmer.
