Andhra Pradesh - Nizamabad   

Poll code leaves tomato farmers hapless

By Our Staff Reporter

NIZAMABAD, APRIL 27. The Election Commission's model code of conduct is likely to prevent the State Government from stepping in to help the tomato growers who are at their wits' end following the all-time low price of 20 paisa per kilogram.

The district administration is aware of the pathetic condition of the farmers who had invested huge amounts to raise the crop instead of paddy. But, they are rendered helpless by the strict implementation of the code.

Despite this, the District Collector, D.V.Raidu, on Tuesday made a determined bid to persuade the officials in Hyderabad to bail out the tomato growers, who are forced to sell the bumper crop for pittance in the local market. Supply far exceeds the demand, forcing the commission agents to purchase them at very low prices. The farmers are not even able to meet the transportation costs.

Some farmers in Makloor and Nandipet mandals abandoned the crop as they felt that it would be a waste to pluck tomatoes and transport them to the nearest market. Other farmers protested by dumping the crop on the road. Following this, the Collector wrote to the Government urging it to intervene. The Chief Secretary is understood to have sought a detailed report on the crisis. Official sources did admit that it was difficult to help the farmers as long as the model code was in force. But, the Collector had urged the Managing Director of Markfed too to help the farmers, sources said. The official is believed to have assured the Collector that some alternative mechanism would be devised soon. If Markfed enters the scene the farmers might get minimum remunerative price for their produce.

The fact that tomato is a perishable commodity makes decision-making tough for the Markfed. They also are not sure where the produce would land if at all they procure them.

Already, rythu bazars are flooded with tomatoes from Madanapalle and Pathikonda where a similar situation arose a few days ago. Even the few processing units in the State might not be ready to cope with the heavy flow as they might have wound up their purchase long back. Convincing them to buy the excess produce will be an uphill task, sources said.

The officials are hopeful that some decision would be taken in the next few days. The farmers were seen pleading with the commission agents to enhance the price.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

• Poll code leaves tomato farmers hapless

Copyright © 2004, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu