Tomato hits Rs 600/kg in Pakistan : Parliament seeks a ‘tomato loan’ as crisis deepens

New Delhi. Inflation is continuously increasing in Pakistan. Due to this, the prices of essential goods are increasing wildly. Its biggest impact has been on vegetables. Especially the impact of inflation is being seen on the prices of tomatoes. In some cities, tomatoes are being sold for up to Rs 600 per kg, which means the prices have increased by up to 400 percent. Because of this, the tomato has become out of reach of the common man.

Why did the tomato issue arise in Parliament?

This issue also created an uproar in Parliament. One MP reached the session with a tomato in his hand and said, "This tomato was found with great difficulty. With the kindness of our MP Farrukh Saheb, I somehow managed to get one tomato; it is worth Rs 75." MPs said that the situation is so bad that now people are in need of a 'tomato loan.'

What caused the trouble?

In fact, after the clashes with Afghanistan that started on October 11 and the air strikes by Pakistan, the border between the two countries was closed. Due to this, trade along the 2,600 km long border has come to a standstill. According to Reuters, this situation is causing a loss of about 1 million dollars every day. Khan Jan Alokozay, head of the Pak-Afghan Chamber of Commerce, said that annual trade between the two countries is worth $23 billion, which includes fresh fruits, vegetables, wheat, rice, medicines, meat and dairy products. Now their movement has completely stopped.

Why did the prices of vegetables go up?

According to the report of Express Tribune, a small bundle of coriander, which was earlier given free, is now available for Rs 50. In Pakistan, now garlic is being sold at Rs 400 per kg, ginger at Rs 750, onion at Rs 120, peas at Rs 500, capsicum and lady's finger at Rs 300, cucumber at Rs 150, carrot at Rs 200 and lemon at Rs 300 per kg.

5,000 containers stuck, vegetables started rotting

Alokozay in Kabul said that about 500 containers of vegetables were ready every day, but now all of them have been spoiled due to the closure of the border. Nearly 5,000 containers are stuck at the Turkmen border, causing a severe shortage of tomatoes, apples and grapes.

Why are memories of imports from India being revived?

The opposition in Parliament accused the government of failure and said that if the system of imports from India had been as before, the public could have gotten relief. People are also saying on social media, “Tomatoes used to come from India; where have they gone now?” The demand for the 'tomato loan' and the increasing uproar in Parliament show the seriousness of Pakistan's economic situation. Borders are closed, trade is at a standstill, and people are facing the brunt of inflation every day. Now the question is whether the government will be able to provide relief from this crisis soon, or will the situation worsen?