CHITTOOR/KURNOOL: Farmers in Rayalaseema, especially in the Pathikonda constituency, are in deep distress as tomato prices have plummeted dramatically. At the Pathikonda market, one of the region’s largest wholesale hubs, farmers reported selling tomatoes for as low as Rs 1 per kg, despite official records showing a minimum price of Rs 8 per kg.
Farmers allege rampant price manipulation by traders, accusing them of underreporting prices to pocket the difference while paying negligible amounts. Alleged collusion between traders and officials has further fuelled their despair. However, Pathikonda market yard secretary Karnalise refuted the allegations, claiming prices ranged from Rs 8 to Rs 18 per kg based on quality.
Officials, including Pathikonda RDO Bharath Naik and Marketing Assistant Director Satyanarayana, visited the market following complaints. Joint Collector B Navya assured farmers of action, stating the Agricultural Marketing Department had procured 13 tonnes of tomatoes for distribution in Machilipatnam, Guntur, and Kurnool. She warned traders against violations and set a minimum price of Rs 4 per kg.
