As the price tomatoes continue to soar high, armed security guards in Indore are safeguarding trucks loaded with tomatoes, in Indore. In the risk of theft, tomatoes are being sold in the presence of armed security guards. Tomato is the most expensive vegetable and in Indore’s Devi Ahilya Bai Holker vegetable mandi, it has to be guarded by armed security men.
The sudden shortage of tomatoes has led to an increase in the rate of the vegetable with prices in some cases being quoted at Rs 100 per kg.
“Security of tomatoes with its skyrocketing prices is of considerable concern for wholesalers. Thieves attacked a tomato laden truck and looted 2600 kg tomatoes in Mumbai on July 15. This has added to Indore businessman’s concern,” said Santosh Narang, a wholesaler of the mandi.
The businessmen who deal tomatoes have asked for security from the Mandi administration which appointed half a dozen armed guards. According to Mandi administration, more than 11 trucks arrived in the Mandi on Saturday. The tomatoes are being sold in the presence of guards.
Mandi inspector Ramesh Sawadiya said, “The businessmen had given a letter demanding proper security arrangements particularly during unloading of trucks laden with tomatoes. The guards have been deployed after that request.”
