Diamond Harbor: A crisis is unfolding in the agricultural heartlands of Diamond Harbor, Kulpi, Raydighi, Mathurapur, and Magrahat, where farmers are grappling with rock-bottom tomato prices. In the wholesale market, tomatoes are fetching as little as 1.5 to 2 taka per kilogram, leaving cultivators in dire straits. Many are struggling to even cover labor costs, forcing ripe tomatoes to rot in the fields.
Tomato cultivation, an integral part of the region’s agricultural economy, begins around November after the monsoon paddy harvest. Farmers invest heavily in chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and labor to ensure a good yield. However, this season, the abundant harvest has led to a supply glut, drastically reducing market prices and pushing farmers into financial turmoil.
Farmers Caught in a Cycle of Losses
Sumitabh Mandal, a farmer from Parulia village, has cultivated tomatoes on three and a half bighas of land, yielding several quintals of produce. But instead of reaping profits, he finds himself drowning in losses. “The market price has dropped to the lowest level. We are unable to even recover our input costs,” he laments.
Similarly, Dibakar Mandal from Bakultala village in Mathurapur 2 block, who grows cabbage and cauliflower alongside tomatoes, is facing severe financial distress. “The price of tomatoes is now 100 to 150 taka per quintal. At these rates, harvesting them is futile,” he says.
Market Oversupply: A Blessing Turned Curse
According to the Agriculture Department, favorable weather conditions led to a bumper harvest this season. While such yields are generally welcomed, the excessive supply has caused a dramatic price slump.
Niranjan Haldar, a wholesale trader from Karanjali Bazar in Kulpi, confirms the trend. “Farmers bring truckloads of tomatoes every morning, but demand is too low. Even we are not making significant profits despite buying at 1.5-2 taka per kilo. In retail markets, tomatoes are being sold for 8-10 taka per kilo, but that’s not enough to offset the massive supply,” he explains.
A Looming Agricultural Crisis
The situation is dire, with farmers questioning how they will sustain their livelihoods. If prices continue to plummet, many may abandon tomato cultivation altogether in the coming seasons. The government and agricultural bodies must intervene to stabilize prices and prevent further economic distress among farmers.
For now, the fields of Diamond Harbor stand as a grim reminder that even a bumper harvest can spell disaster when market dynamics fail to support those who work the land.
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