RAIPUR: Frustrated over an unbelievably low price of 25 paise per kg fixed by traders for
the bumper production of tomatoes citing cash crisis, Chhattisgarh farmers at Pathalgaon in Jashpur district have dumped nearly a hundred tractor-trolleys of tomatoes on the national highway, blocking the traffic on the road for nearly four hours.
However, the farmers agreed to withdraw their agitation after the district administration assured them of a better deal.
“Big traders and middlemen are exploiting the situation citing cash crisis owing to demonetisation,” said Poonam Ambust and Phirtu Ram, farmers who brought their crop from Tildega and Pakhargaon villages.
The farmers stated they had to cough-up Rs 100-200 to bring tomatoes to mandis and asked how could they accept such a low price that cannot even compensate their transport cost.
Meanwhile, officials said the crisis was not owing to demonitistion. They said the reach of bumper production of tomatoes in market created the problem.
“We are going to hold a crucial meeting with traders, farmers and agriculture experts on Friday to sort out the problem,” Jashpur District Collector Priyanka Shukla said.