In an act of revenge against PM Narendra Modi government’s decision to scrap Article 370 and divide Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, Pakistan had formally suspended trade ties with India. However, Pakistan which is still crying over the rising price of ‘roti’ and ‘naan’ may soon have to cry over the price of tomatoes too.
Yes, the prices of tomatoes in Pakistan hit a sensational high at Rs 300 per kg. Prices of various other vegetables like potatoes, onions and green vegetables in the country have also increased. Owing to its high dependence on exports from India, this decision hit the country’s economically backward sections of society.
Pakistan had also called in a National Security Council meeting on August 7 wherein it came to a conclusion in the decision of suspending trade between the two countries, thereby downgrading bilateral diplomatic connection with India and raising the issue of Kashmir in the United Nations Security Council among other things.
Apart from tomatoes, potatoes which previously might have cost Rs 10-12 per kg is now reflecting a bit more this time around as the people of Pakistan would have to pay not less than Rs 30-35.
It is relevant to note that Pakistan until now got its abundant supply of tomatoes from Madhya Pradesh in India. Even many farmers in Mourya, Jhabua, Shajapur, Khargone and Ratlam districts in Madhya Pradesh export tomatoes to Pakistan.
It should also be noted that the trade takes place through export agencies in Amritsar via the Attari-Wagah border. During the peak time in October-November, 50-60 trucks, each with a maximum capacity of 15 tonnes, pass through the border every day.
Previously, Pakistan had a fallout of the terrible Pulwama attack, amongst other stuff, suffered a crunch in the supply of tomatoes. After the Pulwama terror attack, the tomato growing farmers of Jhabua district of MP decided not to export their produce to Pakistan.
It should also be noted that Pakistan does not feature among India’s top 35 exporters and importers, while India currently stands on the seventh position in its list of exporters. So, Imran Khan’s insignificant decision to suspend trade ties with India is certain to hit the whole nation dearly.