Amid a surge in the prices of tomatoes, the governor of Punjab Banwarilal Purohit on Thursday issued an order to Raj Bhawan to stop using tomatoes, until prices see a fall. According to the sources, the move has been taken as a gesture towards the impact of rising prices and as sympathy towards the people who are under burden after this. The statement from the office of the governor said, “a gesture of solidarity with the citizens facing the impact of rising food prices”.According to the wholesale traders of the region, the tomatoes are currently selling at ₹200 per kg and are likely to touch ₹300 per kg in the coming days.“Over the past few weeks, the people of Punjab and Chandigarh have been grappling with an unprecedented escalation in the cost of tomatoes, a staple in many households. The price surge has been attributed to various factors, including supply chain disruptions, climatic conditions and other market dynamics,” according to a statement issued by the Raj Bhawan.The Governor said, “Stopping or reducing the consumption of an article is bound to have an effect on its price reducing demand will automatically lower the price. I hope people will use alternatives in their household for the time being and help to curtail the surge in tomato prices.”Recognising the burden on the citizens, who are grappling with the price rise, the governor took the decision. He has also expressed his concern about the soaring prices of tomatoes.A statement from Raj Bhawan said, “By forgoing tomato consumption in his residence, the governor aims to underscore the importance of empathy, frugality, and responsible use of resources during these challenging times.”The gesture towards society shows that people should wisely use all the natural resources and come together during tough times.
