Tomato growers in various districts of Tamil Nadu are facing a significant crisis due to a sharp decline in market prices, making it challenging for them to cover basic cultivation expenses. Many farmers have opted to stop harvesting their crops, leaving ripe produce in the fields because of unprofitable pricing. The sudden drop in prices is attributed to a surplus of tomatoes from different regions flooding wholesale markets, causing a rapid decrease in prices and disrupting farmers’ expected earnings during the peak harvest period.
In regions like Dindigul, the cost of tomatoes has plummeted to single-digit prices per kilogram, with traders offering much lower rates than before. Farmers who heavily invested in cultivation are now struggling to cover operational costs as the market is unable to absorb the excess supply. Additionally, the crisis is worsened by increasing labor charges.
Despite high harvesting and handling expenses, farmers find the current prices inadequate to justify the costs of picking and transporting the tomatoes. Consequently, many farmers are choosing to halt harvesting activities to minimize further financial losses. In Dindigul, the price of a standard 14-kg tomato box has decreased significantly to between Rs 100 and Rs 150, compared to the previous range of Rs 400 – Rs 600. Simultaneously, labor costs remain high, with daily wages for workers hovering around Rs 400, leading to many farmers suspending plucking operations to prevent additional losses.
Several growers who expanded their cultivation in anticipation of stable market conditions are now under severe financial strain. With harvesting costs per box estimated at around Rs 80, the current market prices do not cover even the basic expenses, pushing farmers further into losses. While there are slight signs of price recovery in the Dharmapuri district, with rates improving to Rs 13 – Rs 15 per kilogram after reduced arrivals following recent rainfall, farmers remain cautious as the market continues to be volatile and unpredictable.
In parts of the Tiruchy district, particularly in the Marungapuri block, farmers have also ceased harvesting due to the high costs of plucking and transportation, which are estimated at nearly Rs 3,000 per acre. The returns from the current market prices are insufficient to sustain ongoing operations. Experts stress the necessity of long-term solutions such as improved supply chain management, cold storage facilities, and minimum support mechanisms to shield farmers from recurring price crashes and ensure more stable returns.
