In a troubling series of events shedding light on the hardships faced by farmers in Karnataka, criminal elements have deliberately targeted tomato transporters and farmers, dealing significant blows to the already strained agricultural market. These incidents were observed at a critical juncture as tomato prices in the Nation soar due to multiple factors.
One recent incident exemplifies the gravity of the situation. A vehicle laden with tomatoes worth Rs. 3.5 Lakh was stolen near Peenya in Bengaluru. According to reports, the miscreants had trailed the tomato-laden vehicle and initiated a confrontation with the driver, accusing him of colliding with their car.
Demanding monetary compensation, the assailants urged the driver into following them. In a secluded area, they assaulted the driver and stole the entire vehicle along with the tomatoes.
In a separate incident that occurred on July 4, unidentified thieves targeted a tomato field in Goni Somanahalli Village of Hassan District. The affected farmer had called it a day after completing his work in his field and wanted to transport the produce to the market soon.
To his dismay, upon returning the following morning, the farmer discovered that thieves had stolen tomatoes worth lakhs of rupees from his farm. According to him, about 60 bags of tomatoes, valued at over Rs. 1.5 Lakh, had been callously stolen.
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the matter, scrutinising nearby checkpoints for any signs of suspicious movement of tomatoes during the preceding night.
In a bid to prevent further occurrences of such incidents, farmers in tomato-growing regions of South Karnataka have resorted to extraordinary measures. Many have taken to sleeping at their farms, implementing surveillance by organising shifts to guard their precious produce.
With tents erected on their lands, these diligent farmers remain ever vigilant, closely monitoring any signs of suspicious activity from people or vehicles. The soaring value of tomatoes, with a single crate fetching prices between Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000, has compelled farmers to adopt these measures.
Regrettably, these alarming incidents only compound the myriad challenges already faced by farmers in the state, particularly in the face of the sharp rise in tomato prices. Karnataka has witnessed tomato prices hovering between Rs. 100 and Rs. 120 as well as Rs. 150 in certain markets. Reports indicate that the price surge can also be attributed to the sudden temperature spikes experienced in the summer which led to devastating pest attacks on tomato crops.
In another viral incident, a tomato vendor in UP had hired bouncers to safeguard his tomato stocks from theft. Netizens have expressed their concerns about tomato theft while many took note about the vendor’s creative approach.
The current circumstances demand urgent attention from relevant authorities to safeguard the interests of farmers and secure their livelihoods. Moreover, concerted efforts are required to mitigate the effects of pest infestations and provide necessary support to the agricultural community, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for Karnataka’s tomato farming sector.