Tomato price rise: Maharashtra farmer installs CCTV cameras to keep an eye on farm

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Heavy demand and skyrocketing prices of tomatoes have prompted a farmer from Maharashtra to install a CCTV camera on his farm to keep an eye on his plantation, according to the PTI.

Tomatoes are being sold between Rs 100 and Rs 200 across the country, as per the PTI.

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The farmer said that he embraced digital surveillance for his farm at Shahpur Banjar, about 20 km from Aurangabad, after tomato thieves struck there.

Sharad Rawte told PTI that he cannot afford to lose more tomatoes, the most in-demand vegetable today. He said a crate of 22-25 kg of tomatoes is now being sold for Rs 3,000.

Sharad Rawte said that his farm is spread across 5 acres and he has grown tomatoes on 1.5 acres, which could easily fetch him Rs 6-7 lakh.

Around 10 days ago, 20-25 kilos of tomatoes were stolen from my farm in Gangapur taluka. To protect the remaining crop that is yet to ripen, I've installed a CCTV camera worth Rs 22,000, he said.

The farmer said the camera runs on solar energy so he doesn't have to worry about its power supply. I can also check the visuals anywhere on my phone, he said.

Meanwhile, last week, amid an alarming surge in tomato prices, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit issued an order on Thursday temporarily halting its consumption in his household as "a gesture of solidarity with the citizens facing the impact of rising food prices".

Tomato is currently selling at a rate of more than Rs 200 a kilo and its prices are likely to touch Rs 300 per kilogram in the coming days, according to wholesale traders.

"Over the past few weeks, the people of State and UT have been grappling with an unprecedented escalation in the cost of tomatoes, a staple in many households across the state," according to an official release.

The price surge has been attributed to various factors, including supply chain disruptions, climatic conditions and other market dynamics, it said.

Recognising the burden this situation places on ordinary citizens, the governor, who is also the administrator of the Union Territory (UT) of Chandigarh, has expressed his concern and empathy for the difficulties faced by the public due to soaring tomato prices.

By forgoing tomato consumption in his own residence, the governor aims to underscore the importance of empathy, frugality, and responsible use of resources during these challenging times, said the release.

The governor said, "Stopping or reducing the consumption of an article is bound to have an effect on its price; reducing demand will automatically lower the price.

I hope people will use alternatives in their household for the time being and help to curtail the surge in tomato prices."

While the suspension of tomato consumption in the governor's household is a symbolic gesture, it serves as a reminder to all citizens to use resources wisely and come together during challenging times, the release said.

(with PTI inputs)