In a report in the English newspaper ‘The Hindu’, it has been feared that tomato prices may exceed Rs 100 per kg due to severe supply shortages. Last week, tomato prices crossed Rs 80 per kg. The report said a 15-kg crate of tomatoes was sold for Rs 1,100 at the Kolar Wholesale APMC market on Sunday.
Why Did Tomato Prices Increase?
Due to delays in monsoon and apprehension of weakness in rains in many parts of the country, the prices of vegetables are increasing.
Kolar’s tomato farmer Anji Reddy was quoted as saying by ‘The Hindu’ that the sowing of tomatoes this year is less than in previous years for several reasons. Many farmers in Kolar started cultivating beans this year because the price of beans skyrocketed last year. However, the crops dried up and withered due to a weak monsoon.
Tomato Prices Fell To Rs 3-5 Per KG
Last month, tomato prices came down to Rs 3-5 per kg, because of which many farmers were forced to throw away their produce by running tractors in the middle of the harvest.
Since there has been a shortage of tomatoes in Maharashtra, buyers are going for export to West Bengal, Odisha and even Bangladesh to meet the demands.
Prices Doubled In Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi
In the last two days, tomato prices have doubled in Delhi’s Azadpur wholesale market. A tomato trader told The Economic Times that he is not getting enough tomatoes from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana due to the shortage and is now dependent on Bengaluru for supplies.
Prices Of Other Vegetables Also Increased
Not only tomatoes, apart from potatoes and onions, the prices of other vegetables are also skyrocketing. The prices of one kg of beans range from Rs 120 to Rs 140, and some varieties of carrots have gone up to Rs 100 per kg. The price of capsicum has crossed Rs 80 per kg.
