TOMATO

TOMATO

The breast beating; the breaking news of tomato prices by the MSM (Main Stream Media); the tirade by the evening scotch drinkers with ice tinkling in their glasses and 'ice' dollops adorning their ears and necks;  against the current government has now become an annual affair. It happens every year and the show put on as if it is a first time happening.

          Tomato – the shiny red vegetable (or is it a fruit ?). Children and adults alike are fond of it, and a salad without it is unthinkable. Required for making most vegetable curries tastier.

In all of north India, it is grown only in the cold / winter months, as the plant cannot stand the summer heat of the region. Availability till the 1980’s or so was only in the winters, i.e., from November to the start of summers of end March. As the summer heat started, the prices of tomatoes would crash as the fruit ripened fast.

Housewives waiting for this time would purchase tomatoes in large quantities and  proceed with like minded aunties to the nearest Fruit Preservation Centre and get several bottles of tomato puree made. These would last them out through the summer and rainy months for making tasty curries.

Of course tomato was grown in the cooler hill states the year round, but the transportation available at that period were the trains, by which tomatoes would perish, so it was done only for short distances. Tomato, like cauliflower, peas, carrots etc is a winter product in north India, and everyone was used to it.

Rapid and dedicated road transport changed all that. Tomatoes started to be available round the year, albeit from far away places. The price would naturally be higher during the summer months to cover the extra transportation costs.

Come Monsoon time, with its road breaches etc., transportation takes a hit, and with shortages in the market, the prices go up. This happens every year, and happening  this year also.

          With better highways and faster road transport, tomatoes are sent to faraway destinations during these 'off season' months, but the price shall naturally be more.

Tomatoes are still a winter product, but has begun to be available round the year; so naturally we expect it to be available - by whatever means. If we remember the earlier times, we can make do without tomatoes for these summer and rainy months. I believe it would be a better idea than beating our breasts, and crying ourselves hoarse  “Why is the price so high for tomatoes ?? !!