INDORE/BHOPAL: Thousands of tomato growers of Petlawad tehsil in Jhabua district have decided to stop export to Pakistan in protest against the Pulwama terrorist attack.Petlawad tomatoes are in high demand there because of their size and tanginess. Tomatoes exported from here fetch Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 per carat (25kg) in Pakistan whereas the same quality sells for Rs 500 to Rs 600 in India, say local collection agents and suppliers. Farmers say they’d rather sacrifice their profit than deal with a country that promotes terrorism in India.Chief minister Kamal Nath applauded these patriots. “I salute farmer brothers of Petlawad tehsil in Jhabua district who, protesting against the Pulwama terror attack, have decided not to send tomatoes to Pakistan without bothering about profits. I appreciate this gesture of patriotism. Every citizen should take inspiration from their spirit,” he tweeted.Tomato growers of the region are holding a series of meetings to ensure there is a complete stop to exports to Pakistan. Hitendra Patidar, who grows tomatoes on 10 acres of land in Karwad village of Jhabua district said, “No farmer from the entire district will export to Pakistan. We are prepared to bear the loss but our nation’s pride and security is paramount. We are with our forces.”He produces around 40 tonnes of tomatoes every year, nearly all of which goes to Pakistan. He stands to lose lakhs of rupees. Petlawad tehsil growsnearly 70% of the produce and tomatoes grown here are an amazing 150 grams each.According to farmers and supply agents, there was a time when Petlawad used to supply over 50 trucks of tomatoes, each carrying around 500 crates, to Pakistan. But the volume started declining sharply after the Uri attack in 2016. And it will drop to zero now.Nanalal Patidar, a farmer said, “We are not dependent on Pakistan. The government should snap all ties with Pakistan and teach them a hard lesson.” Farmers here also demand that the Centre stop water of Ravi and Sindh rivers from flowing into Pakistan.

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