Tomato prices have soared to Rs 100 per kilogram in various parts of India as supplies have been disrupted by heatwave conditions.
New Delhi: Monsoon months usually lead to a rise in vegetable prices in the country. This year, the arrival of monsoon rains has once again caused an increase in the prices of one of India’s staple vegetables: tomatoes. Although the South-west monsoon, which affects most parts of India, partly contributes to the annual price increase, this time it is primarily the excessive heat that is responsible for food inflation.
Each year, vegetable prices climb during the monsoon months because rainfall impacts crop harvesting, including plucking and packaging. Additionally, rain causes higher vegetable wastage during transportation. However, this year, the main factor behind the price hike is the excessive summer heat.
Tomato Prices Across Southern States
Tomato prices have soared to Rs 100 per kilogram as supplies have been disrupted by heatwave conditions. According to media reports, tomatoes are now selling for Rs 90-100 per kilogram in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
In Mumbai, prices range between Rs 80 and Rs 100 per kilogram. Previously sold at Rs 35 per kilogram, tomatoes have now surged to Rs 80 per kilogram, with predictions of reaching Rs 100 soon in Kasaragod.
In Hyderabad, tomato prices are nearing Rs 100 per kilogram due to the severe heat and reduced rainfall across various districts in Telangana. Currently, tomatoes are being sold for Rs 80-90 per kilogram.
Tomato Prices In Pakistan
The price of tomatoes has surged to over PKR 200 per kilogram in a single day just ahead of Eid al-Adha, despite the district government setting the price cap at PKR 100 per kilogram, The Express Tribune reported. This annual occurrence during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha typically goes unnoticed by authorities, despite their assurances to the contrary.
In response to the situation, the Peshawar Deputy Commissioner has taken action by imposing a ban, under Section 144, on transporting tomatoes out of the district.
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With Eid al-Adha merely two days away, local retail markets have seen tomato prices double, aligning with earlier predictions that tomatoes, along with onions, would once again be sold at inflated prices during this festive period.
Residents of the area have expressed frustration, noting that prices have escalated by Rs100 per kilogram in just one day. Many believe that the district administration’s efforts will likely be limited to verbal instructions, as has been the case in previous instances, as reported by The Express Tribune.
(With inputs from agencies)
