Tomato exports to Pakistan takes a beating with soaring prices

CHANDIGARH: The soaring prices of tomatoes have hit its export to Pakistan with traders saying high prices of the vegetable has made it an unviable proposition for trade with the neighbouring country.

The export of vegetable to Pakistan through Attari-Wagah land route has dropped significantly as only 4-5 trucks per day are carrying tomatoes to the neighbouring nation as against movement of 40-50 trucks per day earlier, traders said.

"Export of tomatoes to Pakistan has been hit because of its soaring prices. Fifteen days back, 40-50 trucks loaded with tomatoes were going to Pakistan. But now the number of trucks has shrunk to 4-5 a day", an Amritsar-based exporter told PTI today.

Traders said, "it is now not viable to export tomatoes whose prices have crossed Rs 60 a kg here considering the fact that transportation cost and taxes are involved in its export."

"Pakistani traders now prefer to source tomatoes from their own country rather than buying it from India where its prices have hit the roof", traders said.

There is no parity in supplying tomatoes to Pakistan now in the wake of high prices prevailing in India, said another trader.

Tomato retail prices have surged to Rs 60 per kg due to decline in supplies, making people to pay through their nose.

There is a huge potential for export of tomatoes to Pakistan on the back of its strong demand as Indian tomatoes are generally cheaper than those available there.

Pakistan allows import of 137 items from India through Attari-Wagah land route which includes tomato, peas, garlic, carrots, oil cake, fruits etc.

Indian imports are cement, gypsum, dry dates, rocks salt, aluminum ores etc.