Tomato Farmers

Tomato farmers are an essential profession in Free Lands society, due to tomatoes being necessary for most catri dishes. Since tomatoes are toxic to Irkys Stenu and other domesticated reptiles, these farmers are illegal in Doujate.

Perception

Social Status

In the Free Lands, this is a common job, considering tomato sauce is the base for many catri-based dishes.
In Doujate the situation is completely different: this job is illegal from the year 1821. There used to be some hidden plantations in remote areas of the kingdom, but a dedicated law enforcement organization was formed to fight them and they are declining, also considering the low revenue. Nowadays only unknowing farmers cultivate tomatoes and are fined heavily.

History

In Doujate royal authorities outlawed tomato farmers in 1821. In that period, the integration between the two main Doujatar species was completed and their cultures began overlapping significantly in many cities: in particular, the Douji breeders were spreading in the eastern Doujate, while tomatoes, imported from the Free Lands in the East, were spreading in western Doujate.
Many species of Doujin, among the others the irkys stenu, seemed to react badly to the smell of tomatoes, especially during pressing. They became aggressive (more than they already were) and unruly, making controlling them even difficult. At that time only the effects were visible and scholars had a tough time pinpointing the cause. Finally, they linked the rampant behaviour with the fruit and began to study the problem, until the fact was clear. Tomato is toxic for many reptiles and even its smell in their vicinity has destabilising effects on them.
Following the research, tomato farmers were outlawed and tomatoes imported are treated only in authorised facilities, far from Doujin-related areas.
This knowledge is considered highly classified since Doujatar army relies heavily on Doujin in battle and it would be not honourable at all to be defeated by tomato-armed enemies.

Type

Agricultural / Fishing / Forestry