Amidst the alarming surge in tomato prices across the nation, a farmer in Maharashtra's Pune district has achieved remarkable success. Ishwar Gayakar, a 36-year-old farmer from Pune's Junnar taluka, has proudly announced that he earned over ₹2.8 crore through the sale of tomatoes. Determined to surpass this achievement, Ishwar and his wife have set their sights on a target of ₹3.5 crore, leveraging their stockpile of approximately 4000 crates of tomatoes.
Years of Hard Work Pay Off
Reflecting on his journey, Ishwar Gaikar emphasizes that his success did not materialize overnight. Cultivating tomatoes on his 12-acre farm for the past six to seven years, he encountered numerous setbacks and losses. However, his unwavering hope and resilience drove him forward. Despite incurring a loss of ₹18-20 lakhs in 2021, Ishwar Gaikar persevered, eventually reaping the rewards.
Profitable Season
Detailing the current year's profits, Mr. Gaikar proudly shares that he cultivated tomatoes across 12 acres of land, resulting in the sale of approximately 17,000 crates. These crates fetched prices ranging from ₹770 to ₹2311 per crate, amounting to a total earning of ₹2.8 crore thus far. With a remaining stock of 3000 to 4000 crates, his projected earnings for the year are expected to reach around ₹3.5 crore.
Family Support and Gratitude
Expressing gratitude for his family's support, Ishwar Gaikar credits his parents, grandparents, and his hardworking wife for contributing to his achievements. He firmly believes that their blessings and his wife's dedication on the farm played a significant role in his success. The entire family rejoices in the favorable prices their tomatoes have fetched.
Fortunate Twist of Fate
Initially anticipating a price of around ₹30 per kilogram for tomatoes, Ishwar Gaikar was pleasantly surprised by this season's unexpected windfall. The bumper prices he received exceeded his expectations, leading to a significantly higher income than projected.
A Journey Rooted in Family Traditions
Engaged in farming since 2005, Ishwar Gaikar inherited the profession from his father. Working side by side with his wife, they have expanded their farming operations from cultivating tomatoes on a mere one-acre plot to covering 12 acres. In addition to tomatoes, they also grow onions and flowers during the respective seasons.
Relief for Consumers
In a welcome development for consumers struggling with exorbitant tomato prices, the government has stepped in to alleviate the burden. The wholesale price of tomatoes has been reduced from ₹90 to ₹80 per kilogram. The decision, taken after a comprehensive evaluation of the current market situation, was implemented on Sunday, July 16, in several cities, including Delhi, Noida, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Arrah. The National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Consumer Cooperative Federation (NCCF) oversaw the implementation. Further expansion to additional cities will depend on prevailing market rates.
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