Angry farmers dump tomatoes on highway seeking VAT withdrawal

District Correspondent Natore
Published: 29 January 2025, 02:49 PM
Angry farmers dump tomatoes on highway seeking VAT withdrawal
Frustrated farmers block Dhaka-Rajshahi Highway by throwing tomatoes on the highway in Natore on Wednesday. – Jago News Photo

Frustrated farmers in Natore blocked the Natore-Rajshahi highway by scattering tomatoes on the road, protesting the recent increase in VAT. 

The demonstration brought traffic to a standstill on both ends of the highway, leaving passengers travelling to Dhaka and Rajshahi stranded.  

The protest took place on Wednesday (January 29) afternoon near the Forest Belgharia bypass area of the Natore-Rajshahi highway and lasted for approximately half an hour.  

Earlier, farmers had staged a protest and formed a human chain, chanting slogans such as, "Withdraw the increased VAT and duties, save the lives of farmers," targeting the tax hike on tomatoes and mangoes. 

They also demanded the resignation of the chairman of National Board of Revenue, accusing him of being anti-agriculture.  

Farmers expressed concerns that the 15 per cent VAT imposed on tomato-based products like paste, ketchup, and sauce would lead to a sharp decline in demand.  

Speaking at the protest, farmer Rafiqul Islam said, "The VAT on tomato products has been raised to 15 per cent from 5 per cent, causing a drop in sales. We are forced to produce crops at higher costs but sell them at lower prices. Tomatoes grown on one bigha of land, worth Tk 50,000, are now selling for less than Tk 20,000. Farmers are facing huge losses, and this VAT must be withdrawn immediately."  

Other farmers, including Syed Ali, Nazir Uddin Babu, Amanullah, Hafizur Rahman, and Mainul Islam, also voiced their grievances during the protest.