Tomato Prices Soar in Tamil Nadu and Across India, Leaving Consumers Frustrated
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu, as well as the entire nation, has been hit by skyrocketing tomato prices. Traders are now offering an explanation as to when the prices will finally come down from the alarming Rs 150 per kilogram mark.
Merely three months ago, tomatoes were being sold at a mere 10 rupees. However, their prices have surged dramatically, leaving consumers in shock.
The situation has turned dire as the prices of other essential vegetables like small onions (Sambar onion), cumin, pulses, and even green chilies have also inflated exponentially. This rapid increase in vegetable prices, alongside rice and pulses, has forced many people to reevaluate their monthly budgets.
What makes matters worse is the fact that the rise in tomato prices has hit consumers harder than any other commodity. In the Koyambedu market in Chennai, prices range from Rs 80 to Rs 110 per kilogram, while retail shops charge Rs 120 to Rs 150.
Similarly, the prices of small onions range from Rs 80 to Rs 130 in the wholesale market and Rs 90 to Rs 150 in the retail market. The price surge has even affected ration shops, where tomato sales have been ongoing for the past three days. People have been queuing up for hours to purchase tomatoes, leading them to demand government intervention to control vegetable prices.
So, what exactly caused this sudden spike in tomato prices? While Tamil Nadu and the rest of India are grappling with the repercussions, traders point to the impact of rain and heat on tomato yield. The extreme weather has led to uncultivated tomatoes, which subsequently resulted in the price hike.
The situation in Chennai is dire. Previously, about 55 to 65 truckloads of tomatoes were being delivered to the Koyambedu market daily. However, this number has dropped significantly, with only 30 trucks arriving per day. Tamil Nadu relies on tomato supplies from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and within the state itself. To mitigate the shortfall caused by the yield loss, tomatoes are now being sourced from Maharashtra. Otherwise, prices would have surged even further, claim traders.
Consumers are now eagerly awaiting relief from the exorbitant tomato prices. Traders maintain that the increase is not artificial, and small-scale traders cannot single-handedly hoard tomatoes. They suggest that big corporates and online trading companies have more control in this matter.
Farmers, on the other hand, cite severe heat as the main reason for the decrease in tomato cultivation this year. They believe that prices will return to normal within the next two weeks. However, they mention that tomato cultivation is still ongoing in regions like Krishnagiri and Hosur, signaling hope for an eventual drop in prices.
In the meantime, consumers continue to face the brunt of rising tomato prices. With the hope of a quick resolution, they eagerly anticipate the market’s return to normalcy.