Tomato prices have surged dramatically across India, particularly in the Delhi-NCR region, where recent days have seen prices jump to as high as Rs 60-80 per kilogram, compared to Rs 40 per kg just a month ago. High-quality tomatoes in Delhi are now priced between Rs 80 to Rs 85 per kg. This price increase is leading many consumers to cut back on their purchases, as the rising costs strain household budgets. Traders are also expecting prices to climb even higher with the approach of the festive season, as demand typically spikes during celebrations like Dussehra and Diwali.
Experts are pointing to excessive rainfall as the primary factor driving the surge in tomato prices. This year, major tomato-producing states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have been hit by unusually heavy rainfall, causing flood-like conditions in several areas. These adverse weather events have taken a toll on tomato crops, leading to a significant decline in production. The reduction in supply has created an imbalance between supply and demand, forcing prices upward.
The impact of the rainfall has not been limited to crop damage alone. The heavy rains have also disrupted transportation networks, compounding the supply chain issues for tomatoes. Trucks carrying tomatoes to markets have faced delays due to poor road conditions, further contributing to the shortage in local markets.
Traders have reported that the increased time taken to transport tomatoes has led to greater wastage, further adding to their costs. This disruption has been particularly severe in northern states, where road conditions have worsened due to the rains, limiting truck movement and making it difficult for markets to maintain adequate tomato supplies.
While tomatoes have experienced the steepest price hikes, they are not the only vegetables affected by the adverse weather conditions. Vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and seasonal greens like gourd, bitter gourd, ladyfinger, and arbi have also seen their prices rise by 50-80% in the past few weeks. Wholesalers have pointed to a noticeable drop in the supply of these vegetables in markets, largely due to the rains that have disrupted harvests and the supply chain. The monsoon season often creates challenges for agricultural production, and this year’s heavy rains have been particularly damaging, leading to reduced output across the board.
Vegetable vendors have expressed concern that prices will continue to rise as supply remains constrained. Last year, tomato prices in North India skyrocketed to Rs 250 per kg due to similar supply issues. This year, while prices have not yet reached those extreme levels, the trend is worrying, especially as the festive season approaches, and demand is expected to increase even further.
Given the current conditions, consumers should brace themselves for continued price hikes in essential vegetables.
While the government may take measures to stabilize prices, the impact of heavy rains on agricultural production is difficult to mitigate in the immediate term.
