Keonjhar, Feb 28: Though farmers in the district expected fetching profit out of their bumper harvest of tomatoes this year, distress sale has sadly shattered the hopes of the farming community here. Getting frustrated over the distress sale in absence of storage facilities, the farmers staged protest outside the Collectorate in an innovative way by dumping quintals of vegetables on road.
Farmers of Mahadeipada and Baradapala under Sadar block expressed their anguish in such a manner to draw attention of district administration. They alleged the traders are reluctant to give even Re 1 per kg, which is very meagre to meet the expenditure they have incurred on plucking. Such circumstances have put the vegetable growers in serious trouble over loan recovery. As vegetables rot in absence of cold storage or food processing unit, the administration has assured of action after consulting the horticulture department.
