Ahmed Khan Malik

Tomato and onion growers in Sindh have faced significant financial challenges in recent weeks due to the plummeting prices of their produce, market players told WealthPK.

This price decline has been attributed to a combination of factors, including increased domestic production, import policies, and market dynamics. According to industry insiders, Sindh has witnessed a substantial increase in tomato cultivation over the past several years. The area dedicated to tomato farming expanded from 14,332 acres in 2015 to 74,131 acres in 2024, marking an increase of 600%. This growth positioned Sindh as the leading tomato-producing province in Pakistan, contributing approximately 35% to the nation's total production.

Jamal Nizamani, a leading tomato grower in Mirpurkhas Division, said the significant boost in tomato production had led to market saturation, causing prices to plummet. In certain periods, the wholesale price of tomatoes dropped to as low as 15 rupees per kilogram, which was insufficient for farmers to cover their production costs. Consequently, some farmers destroyed their crops to mitigate further losses.

He said the situation was exacerbated by the federal government's decision to allow tomato and onion imports during the local harvest season. The growers protested, arguing that the imports had led to an oversupply in the market, further driving down the prices. Nizamani said the Sindh government had sought the federal government's intervention to protect the local farmers.

The provincial authorities requested a ban on tomato imports and advocated the opening up of onion exports to stabilize prices and support the local growers. He highlighted that despite a good yield, the farmers were unable to receive appropriate prices due to continued imports and restrictions on exports. He said the onion crop had also been facing the same situation, as the farmers were not getting the price of their crop and were compelled to sell their produce at prices that did not even cover the cost of their inputs.

Mustafa Soomro, an agriculture expert in Tando Adam district, said the financial strain on tomato and onion growers had broader socio-economic implications. Low-profit margins hinder the farmers' ability to invest in land development, quality inputs, and modern farming techniques, perpetuating a cycle of low yields and poverty. This economic hardship affects not only the farmers but also their families, leading to reduced food intake, poor health outcomes, and limited access to education and other essential services.

He said the plight of tomato and onion growers underscores the need for comprehensive agricultural policies that considered both production and market dynamics. Balancing import regulations, supporting export opportunities, and investing in infrastructure to manage supply gluts are crucial steps toward ensuring the sustainability and profitability of the agriculture sector in the region, he stressed.

Credit: INP-WealthPk