Recent surge in prices is because of excess rains and high moisture level in major tomato producing areas of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Even as the prices of tomatoes have hit as high as the Rs 100 per kg mark, there might be relief in sight for Delhi-NRC resident soon. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare on Thursday said the supply situation is set to improve in coming days with increased arrivals from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh which would bring down the tomato prices.
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“Recent surge in prices is because of excess rains and high moisture level in major tomato producing areas of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. The adverse weather condition together with incidences of disease attack in certain pockets impacted the harvest and also the shelf life of tomatoes. The supply situation is set to improve in coming days with increased arrivals from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh which would bring down the tomato prices,” Khare told reporters in New Delhi.
She added that the government will continue selling tomatoes at a subsidised rate of Rs 65 per kg in Delhi-NCR and Mumbai through the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF).
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The price surge comes as supplies from key southern states Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have been disrupted due to retreating monsoon rains causing crop damage and pest infestation. This supply crunch, coupled with festive season demand, has pushed prices northward.
“While weekly arrivals have been impacted, we expect supplies from Maharashtra to improve shortly, which should help stabilise prices in the national capital,” Khare said, adding that the government is maintaining strict vigilance on price movements.
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Since October 7, NCCF has sold around 10,000 kg of tomatoes through mobile vans and outlets in Delhi and Mumbai at a subsidised rate.
“The retail intervention will continue until we see a meaningful impact on prices,” Khare said, noting that similar measures had helped control prices last year.
The government’s market intervention this time has extended beyond a week, reflecting the severity of the price surge and the administration’s commitment to providing relief to consumers during the festive season.
