NI Bureau
New Delhi: The monsoon season in India typically brings an increase in vegetable prices, and this year is no different. However, the surge in tomato prices to Rs 100 per kilogram is primarily driven by the extreme summer heat, with monsoon rains playing a secondary role.
Vegetable prices generally climb during the monsoon months as rainfall disrupts crop harvesting activities such as plucking and packaging, and increases wastage during transportation. This year, though, the excessive heat has been the main culprit behind the steep rise in tomato prices.
Spike in Tomato Prices Across Southern States
Tomato prices have skyrocketed to Rs 100 per kilogram due to heatwave conditions disrupting supplies. According to some media sources, in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, tomatoes are being sold for Rs 90-100 per kg.
In Mumbai, the prices have shot up to between Rs 80 and Rs 100 per kilogram. Tomatoes that were previously priced at Rs 35 per kilogram have now escalated to Rs 80 per kilogram, with expectations that they might soon reach Rs 100 in Kasaragod.
In Hyderabad, the severe heat and insufficient rainfall in various districts of Telangana have pushed tomato prices close to Rs 100 per kilogram. Currently, tomatoes are being sold for Rs 80-90 per kilogram in the city.
Prateeksha Thakur
