Big surge in tomato prices, why are tomatoes and vegetables getting costlier, will prices rise further?

Tomato prices have surged across much of the country, including the Delhi-NCR region. In recent days, prices have jumped significantly, now ranging from Rs 60 to 80 per kg, compared to Rs 40 per kg just a month ago. Notably, high-quality tomatoes in Delhi are currently priced between Rs 80 to 85 per kg. As a result, many consumers are reducing their purchases. Traders anticipate that prices may rise further as the festive season approaches, with increased demand expected during Dussehra and Diwali.

Excessive rainfall affected tomato crop

Experts attribute the rise in tomato prices primarily to excessive rainfall. This year, major tomato-producing states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have experienced significant rainfall, leading to flood-like conditions in several areas. These adverse weather conditions have severely impacted tomato crops, resulting in a substantial decline in production. Consequently, the supply of tomatoes in the market has been affected, which, in turn, has driven prices up due to the imbalance between supply and demand.

Delays, increased wastage of tomatoes during transportation

In addition to the crop damage, heavy rains have also impacted the road network, disrupting the supply chain for tomatoes. Vehicles transporting tomatoes are experiencing delays in reaching the mandis, contributing to a market shortage. Furthermore, increased wastage of tomatoes during transportation has raised the costs for traders. Vegetable vendors have pointed to the heavy rains in the northern states as a key factor behind the price surge, which has hindered truck movement. They have cautioned that prices may continue to rise in the coming days.

Prices of other vegetables have also surged

However, tomatoes become expensive every year during the rainy season. Last year itself, due to problems like supply shortage, low production level and delayed monsoon, tomato prices in North India had increased to Rs 250 per kg. Not only tomatoes have become expensive, but other food items have also become costlier. Apart from onions and potatoes, prices of seasonal vegetables like gourd, bitter gourd, ladyfinger and arbi have increased by 50-80 percent in the last few weeks.

Supply of vegetables in the markets has reduced

Wholesalers said that due to rain, the supply of these vegetables in the markets has reduced. Actually, the monsoon season affects agricultural production and supply chain. Also, production also decreases. Therefore, green vegetables have become expensive. At the same time, consumers may have to be prepared for further increase in the prices of essential vegetables.