Despite tomato prices rising, Dharmapuri farmers are disappointed as production has been affected due to fluctuating weather conditions and poor seed quality. In Dharmapuri district, tomato is one of the most cultivated crops, encompassing an area of over 6,000 hectares annually.
The goods are sold in the tomato market in Palacode, and from there, it is often transported to Ariyalur, Perambalur, Thanjavur, Chennai, Coimbatore and various other parts of the state.
Recently, tomato production was hit by unfavorable climatic conditions and poor quality of seedlings in the market. Palacode market usually received 100 - 120 tons daily, but now it is only getting some 15 to 20 tons per day. It seems that over 80% of the plants have failed due to poor quality of seeding, and another 10% have been impacted by the climate.
Source: newindianexpress.com