Farmers Struggle with Wilt Disease and Adverse Weather Conditions
In Mysuru, India, the price of tomatoes has skyrocketed to Rs 100 per kilogram, a significant increase that has unfortunately not translated into profits for local farmers. The recent incessant rains and abrupt weather changes have exacerbated the spread of wilt disease, severely impacting tomato yields. This situation has left farmers, who once benefited from high returns, struggling to recover their investments in cultivation.
The wilt disease, thriving in the current climatic conditions, has led to a substantial reduction in tomato production. Despite the high market prices, the cost of fertilizers and pesticides to combat the disease remains a significant burden. Farmers are continuously working to protect their crops from further damage, but the financial strain is evident.
Simultaneously, in the Madanapalle tomato market, renowned as Asia’s largest, A-grade tomato prices have spiked to Rs 88 per kilogram due to a severe supply shortage. Retail prices have surged beyond Rs 100, with street vendors selling tomatoes for Rs 120-130 per kilogram. The adverse weather conditions affecting the crops have drastically reduced the quantity of tomatoes reaching the market. This shortage, coupled with increased demand from various regions for the high-quality tomatoes of Madanapalle, known for their natural color, shine, and size, has intensified the supply crisis.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by tomato farmers in the region, highlighting the need for effective disease management and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the impacts of unpredictable weather patterns.
