Tomato prices have soared nationwide, causing widespread discussions and concerns. In North India, tomatoes are being sold at a staggering price of approximately Rs 150 per kg, while in Chandigarh, the retail price has risen from Rs 300 to Rs 350 per kg says media reports.
Media reports indicate that the surge in tomato prices has sparked a political debate, with opposition parties blaming the respective governments for their inability to control prices. In response, leaders in power have been issuing bold statements, including an absurd remark made by the Maharashtra Agriculture Minister. He claimed that if actors refrain from consuming tomatoes for 30 days, the protein level in their bodies would not decrease.
Recently appointed as the Agriculture Minister of Maharashtra, Dhanunjay Munde assumed his new role on Friday after winning as an MLA from the NCP. He became part of Ajit Pawar's faction during the recent political developments in Maharashtra and was one of the eight MLAs who joined the Ek Nath Shinde-BJP government, led by Ajit Pawar, to expand the ministry.
On Saturday, Minister Dhanunjay Munde conducted his first review meeting with Agriculture Department officials. Subsequently, he addressed the media and discussed the rising tomato prices. Munde expressed the importance of farmers receiving higher remuneration for their tomatoes and emphasized the need to avoid politicizing the issue. In a rather unusual statement, he claimed that not consuming tomatoes for 30 days would not lead to a decrease in the body's protein levels.
The minister's statement appears to be a response to actor Sunil Shetty's recent comments regarding the increasing tomato prices. Shetty mentioned that his wife, Mana Shetty, used to buy fresh vegetables every day or every other day, but due to the soaring tomato prices, it has become challenging for them. Consequently, Shetty stated that he is consuming fewer tomatoes, acknowledging that such issues affect him as well despite being a superstar. The minister's statement seems to counter Shetty's remarks.
