Farmers, consumers exploited by tomato price manipulation in AP

By The Capital

On 18 Dec 2024 11:34:32

Farmers, consumers exploited by tomato price manipulation in AP

Traders purchasing at Rs 1-2\ kg, selling at Rs 31-37

The Capital News

Vijayawada: Farmers and consumers in Andhra Pradesh are both bearing the brunt of inflated tomato prices, with Rayalaseema farmers selling their produce at a meager Rs 1-2 per kg, while consumers in retail markets are paying Rs 31-34 per kg and Rs 32-37 per kg in supermarkets.

Farmers are accusing traders and officials of manipulating prices, claiming that the government is failing to provide them with a fair price while allowing businesses to exploit consumers. In the Pathikonda wholesale market, tomato prices plummeted to Rs 1-2 per kg, causing a serious crisis for farmers.

In response, officials instructed traders to buy tomatoes at a minimum of Rs 4 per kg. However, market authorities clarified that only lower-grade tomatoes are being sold at the lower price, while higher-quality produce is priced between Rs 8-18 per kg.

Despite this, protesting farmers continue to accuse traders of purchasing tomatoes for as little as Rs 1 per kg, even when official records suggest an average price of Rs 8 per kg. They allege that traders are exploiting them by showing artificially low prices.

These accusations are compounded by claims that traders and officials are involved in price manipulation schemes. Even though, the officials assured that steps would be taken to resolve the issue, farmers remain distressed, with many expressing concerns that they will not even be able to recover their production costs if these artificially low prices persist.

The farmers have called for the establishment of a minimum support price to protect their livelihoods and prevent further exploitation.