The political unrest in Bangladesh has led to a downturn in the tomato market for farmers in Kolar, Karnataka, due to the disruption of exports. Prior to the unrest, a 15 kg box of first-grade tomatoes fetched between Rs 1,100 to 1,200, but prices have plummeted to Rs 350 to 480.
The Kolar Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), a major hub for tomato trade in India, has seen a significant reduction in purchases by West Bengal traders, who traditionally bought tomatoes for both local consumption and export to Bangladesh. The daily transportation of tomatoes from Kolar to West Bengal has halved from 40-50 trucks to around 20 trucks.
Consequently, the wholesale price at Kolar APMC has dropped from Rs 40 per kg to 12 per kg, affecting the retail market across Karnataka where tomatoes are now sold for Rs 16 to 20 per kg. The situation is exacerbated by the recent landslide in Wayanad, which has further impacted tomato sales to Kerala. Local traders attribute the decline in exports to restrictions at the border, with some truck drivers unwilling to travel to Bangladesh due to the unrest.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: deccanherald.com