Amidst drop in tomato prices to Rs 45, Horticorp still selling at Rs 79

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the start of harvesting season in neighboring states, the prices of tomatoes have fallen giving much-needed respite to people. However, the government-run Horticorp is still selling tomatoes audaciously at skyrocketing prices. This comes from Horticorp which should actually sell vegetables at 20% less than the normal market rates.

Tomatoes, earlier priced at Rs 180 are now available in market for just Rs 45. However, in Horticorp, the price is still Rs 79. Carrots are sold in Horticorp at Rs 79 while the market rate comes at Rs 50. Other vegetables are also sold at a higher rate not paying any heed to the existing market rates.

Earlier when the tomato price went wild in the public market, Horticorp did no good in reducing the rates to help people find some solace. And now when the market prices have fallen, Horticorp is again putting people into distress by increasing the rates.

Most of the farmers who used to regularly supply vegetables to Horticorp have now withdrawn their service. According to them, Horticorp halts the payment and it requires anywhere near a year to get all their arrears cleared. If the same service is rendered to private traders, the payment will be on time without any hiccups.