No Support Price: 3 Farmers from Mahabubabad Distribute Tomatoes for Free
21 Feb 2026 10:23 AM IST21 Feb 2026 10:23 AM IST
The farmers - Pogula Konda Saraiah, Mohan Surender – of Kothaguda in Mahabubabad cultivated tomatoes in one acre. They came to the market at Kothaguda and attempted to sell a tray containing 20 kgs of tomatoes for Rs.100
Three farmers from Mahabubabad district distributed tomatoes free of cost to women as they failed to secure a minimum support price in the market.
Warangal: Three farmers distributed nearly 1,200 kg of tomatoes free of cost at Kothaguda market in Mahbubabad district after prices fell below transportation expenses.
The farmers, Pogula Konda Saraiah, Paltheya Mohan and Gujja Surender from Bhupathipeta village in Guduru mandalm had brought a trolley load of tomatoes to the market expecting remunerative prices. Traders, however, reportedly offered less than Rs 2 per kg.
According to the farmers, the same produce had fetched around Rs 50 per kg a few weeks ago. With prices failing to cover even fuel charges for transport, they chose to distribute the crop instead of selling it at the prevailing rates. Local residents collected the tomatoes as news spread in the market yard.
The farmers said they had invested heavily in seeds, fertilisers and labour, in some cases through private borrowings, and alleged that the current prices did not meet even basic input and transport costs.
The incident has triggered discussion over price fluctuations in perishable commodities and the absence of support mechanisms such as Minimum Support Price and cold storage facilities.
The farmers appealed to the state government for financial assistance to offset their losses. Local residents and other farmers urged authorities to examine the reasons for the price crash and prevent exploitation by intermediaries.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
Next Story