Retail prices of tomatoes among local vendors rise to Rs 70-80 per kilogram due to low supply
Tomato prices have surged to Rs 80 per kg in some retail markets, up from Rs 35 a month ago, due to heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh damaging the road network and reducing supplies to major consumption centres.
According to the price monitoring division of the Consumer Affairs Ministry, the daily average retail price of tomatoes touched Rs 55 per kg on 3 July.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall till July 7 in several tomato-growing regions of Himachal Pradesh, which could further contribute to price increase. Heavy rainfall can cause landslides and mudslides, disrupting roadways and traffic, and damaging horticulture and standing crops.
Last year, heavy rainfall and flash floods pushed tomato prices to cross Rs 350 per kg in some retail markets, leading McDonald’s to temporarily stop using tomatoes in some outlets due to quality concerns. This year, Monsoon months are showing a spurt in vegetable prices due to harvesting and transportation disruptions.
Apart from tomatoes other essential vegetables like onion and potato prices have also increased by 15 per cent to 58 per cent in the last month. The wholesale prices of these vegetables have also increased by 35.36 per cent (onion), and 17.57 per cent (potato) in the last 30 days causing the fear of food inflation.
The union government claimed that the situation is temporary and the government has high hopes that prices will be under control soon, except for potato prices which are likely to remain elevated during the season. The second harvest of tomatoes in states like Karnataka has started, this will Pave the way for ensuring adequate supply in the markets.
