Tomato Prices Plummet, Leaving Junga Farmers in Distress
Tomato shipments from panchayats near Sirmaur in the Junga region have begun arriving at Solan—the state’s largest vegetable market—as well as in cities like Panipat, Chandigarh, and Delhi. However, this season has brought a sharp decline in tomato prices, causing concern among local farmers.
Currently, tomatoes are being sold at just ₹350 to ₹500 per crate in Solan, with each crate containing only 22 to 25 kg. This is a steep drop from the initial rates of ₹1,000 to ₹1,400 per crate. Farmers fear that if prices don’t rebound, they won’t be able to recover even basic costs such as seeds, pesticides, and transportation.
The situation is similar for other crops. French beans are fetching ₹26 to ₹28 per kg, while capsicum is priced between ₹15 and ₹20 per kg. Progressive farmer Pritam Thakur warns that without a price increase, sustaining livelihoods will be difficult, as the region’s agricultural economy heavily relies on tomatoes, capsicum, French beans, and garlic.
Arhatiya Vinod Sharma noted that with increasing supply, tomato prices may drop further. However, he added that prices could rise once the tomato season from the plains concludes. Transporter Pradeep Bragta also confirmed that prices remain low in markets across Panipat, Chandigarh, and Delhi.
Tomato and capsicum cultivation has become a primary source of income for farmers in the Junga area, mirroring trends in Solan. The current market conditions, however, pose a serious threat to their financial stability.
