As tomato prices skyrocket across the country, one farmer in Maharashtra’s Pune district has found himself at the centre of a remarkable success story. Tukaram Bhagoji Gayakar and his family have hit the jackpot by cultivating tomatoes and earning a staggering amount of over Rs 1.5 crore.
Tukaram, the proud owner of 18 acres of agricultural land, devotes 12 acres solely to growing tomatoes. With the assistance of his son Ishwar Gayakar and daughter-in-law Sonali, the family has managed to achieve incredible results. Their secret lies in their expertise in fertilizers, pesticides, and cultivating high-quality tomatoes free from pests.
Selling approximately 13,000 tomato crates per month, Tukaram and his family have witnessed their fortunes change dramatically. At the Narayanganj market, each crate fetches them Rs 2,100, amounting to a staggering earning of Rs 18 lakh in a single day. Last month alone, they sold crates at prices ranging from Rs 1,000 to 2,400, depending on the quality. They are not the only ones benefiting from the tomato boom; many farmers in the Junnar region of the Pune district have also become millionaires by entering the tomato business.
Remarkably, the success doesn’t stop there. The local Agricultural Produce Market Committee has generated an impressive business worth Rs 80 crore in just one month through tomato sales. Moreover, the venture has provided employment opportunities for over 100 women in the area, contributing to the local economy.
The Gayakar family’s success can be attributed to their relentless hard work and astute business acumen. While Sonali oversees planting, harvesting, and packaging, Ishwar takes charge of sales, management, and financial planning. Their dedication and efforts over the past three months have paid off handsomely, with favourable market conditions working in their favour.
This inspiring tale of a farmer’s rise to fortune is not limited to Maharashtra alone. In Karnataka’s Kolar district, another farming family recently sold 2,000 boxes of tomatoes, returning home with a whopping Rs 38 lakh.