After nearly a year, Kolar is set to resume tomato exports to Bangladesh — but with a condition: the trade must be restricted to Bangladesh only, and not routed to Pakistan. The Kolar Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market is the second-largest tomato trade hub in South Asia, after Pimpalgaon in Nashik, Maharashtra.
Exports to Bangladesh had halted not only due to political unrest in the neighboring country but also because of increased tomato production there, reducing their demand. With the seasonal shift, demand is expected to rise again. Every year from June to October, around 400 to 500 tonnes of tomatoes are transported daily from the Kolar APMC.
However, some farmers are willing to sell their produce at lower prices within India to safeguard the interests of the people. Another trader mentioned that Bangladesh is prepared to import tomatoes from Kolar at Rs 95 per kg and is not concerned about the additional cost. However, Indian traders have emphasised that the tomatoes must not be resold to Pakistan — a practice previously used to increase profits.
