PUNE: Frustrated by the low prices at the Narayangaon wholesale market, tomato farmers from Narayangaon and adjacent tehsils unloaded 100 crates of their produce on the Pune-Nashik highway on Friday.Wholesalers and market committee officials said the low prices are due to a glut in the market caused by excess tomato production.A 20-kg crate of tomato is currently being sold for just Rs30-Rs50 in the wholesale market. Farmers said this does not even cover their transportation cost.On an average, 20,000 crates of tomatoes are brought to the Narayangaon market every day. On Friday, farmers from Sangamner , Parner, Shirur, Shrigonda and adjacent areas also brought their produce to the market expecting good prices.“Only 15 local traders participated in the open auction. They could only purchase about 10,000 crates. Almost half of the produce remained unsold in the open auction. This frustrated the farmers. Eventually, they threw away the tomatoes to protest against the low prices,” said Sanjay Kale, chairman of the market. Usually, 200 traders attend the open auction at the market.“Though the production has been high this season, the demand for tomatoes has dropped. The disparity in demand and supply has adversely impacted the prices. In winter, the prices may return to normal,” said a senior official at the Narayangaon market.To control the situation, The Narayangaon police had to intervene. “We held a meeting with the market committee officials, traders and farmers to find a solution. Finally, the local traders purchased the tomatoes at minimal price and paid the farmers, to enable them to cover the transportation costs,” said a police officer.Farmer Santosh Shinde, from Shrigonda tehsil, said, “Since we had got decent prices last year, we grew tomatoes on three acres this year too. We were expecting a good price for the produce. I had invested more than Rs 2 lakh on it, but I have not earned even Rs 1 lakh. How will I repay my loan now?”Like Shinde, hundreds of farmers are facing massive losses this year, said a trader, who did not wish to be named. “To grow quality crop in one acre of land, a farmer needs to invest close to Rs 1 lakh. Several farmers have invested big money on tomatoes this year. With the drop in prices, the farmers’ economy in the state is going to be affected,” the trader added.

Stay updated with all the Latest Nashik headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.