Cold damages tomato crop

Dehradun: Tomato crops in several parts of the state has been damaged by severe winter forcing the farmers to look for help from the state government. Other vegetables too have been affected by the frost. After light showers in December last year, rains have eluded the state so far. "In place of snow or rain we are experiencing frosty conditions which is not good for vegetables," said Dewan Singh, a farmer in Saiya Chakrata. Most of the tomato crop in Saiya and Tyuni has begun to rot due to intense cold. "Vegetables are grown here due to favourable climate. But climate change and other factors such as intense and rainless winters have become a problem," he said. Agriculture Minsiter Subodh Uniyal on Monday directed the district officers to assess the ground situation by visiting the fields. TNS