College dropouts turned tomato farmers earn Rs 40L amid skyrocketing prices

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Amidst concer ns among consumers about skyrocketing tomato prices nationwide, tomato farmers like Rajesh and Nagesh from Chamarajanagar taluk are experiencing a boon.

These two brothers, sons of Krishna Setty from Lakshmipur village, made the unconventional choice of forgoing college to venture into agriculture, focusing specifically on tomato cultivation.

Over the last four years, they diligently cultivated tomatoes on a sprawling 12-acre expanse, with two acres being their own and an additional 10 acres being rented.

This year, their hard work and dedication have yielded remarkable results, attributed to a combination of abundant harvests and favourable market prices.

Rajesh explained, "In the past four years, we have consistently cultivated tomatoes across our 12-acre farmland. This year, we've secured an impressive profit of Rs 40 lakh by selling 2,000 crates of tomatoes, marking the highest earnings we've achieved over this span."

Rajesh also acknowledged the unwavering support of his family, which included his brother Nagesh and their parents, all of whom tirelessly toiled in the fields.

The brothers even took on night shifts to protect their valuable crop.

"The substantial profits we've reaped this year have enabled us to eliminate our debts," Rajesh added with pride.

Given the persistently high prices of tomatoes, brokers are actively seeking out farmers for tomato purchases.

About half of the tomato harvest has already been collected, and farmers are optimistic about substantial earnings from the remaining half of their yield.