New Delhi: Tomato prices have increased in last 18 days in Southern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and also in Maharashtra due to the intense heat wave. According to Department Of Consumer Affairs, the average price of this Rabi crop is up 27 per cent per cent to Rs 51 per kg on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from Rs 40 per kg on June 1, 2024 in these states. Prices in the retail market have gone up to Rs 80 per kg in Bengaluru.
Tomato Prices in South Go North!
Tomato wholesale prices have doubled in the last 15 – 20 days in South India. The average tomato price in wholesale markets has reached ₹40-50 per kg in the region.
What led to the tomato price hike?
Tomato prices are on the rise because of lower supply in the market. Intense heat wave across the country has damaged the Rabi crop and hence the lower supply. South India has seen record breaking heat in the current summer season with average temperature soaring up to 37.2 degree Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department, South India had recorded its second highest maximum temperature in last 123 years in April 2024.
When is tomato cultivated in India?
In India, tomato is usually sown in mid-November or December and harvested in April-May in parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Blistering temperature in April and subsequent months played spoilsport while harvesting the crop. Andhra Pradesh is the largest tomato producing state in India.
Tomato prices in North India remain stable
However, tomato prices have not increased in North India. In fact, the heat wave has caused early ripening of tomato plants leading to oversupply in the market in the market. However, commodity traders have warned that considering the tomato price trend in India, prices can go up in North India as well in July.
Tomato prices have doubled in last 15 – 20 days in wholesale markets of South India due to crop damage resulting from intense heat waves. In Bengaluru, tomato prices have shot up to Rs 80. Biz News Business News – Personal Finance News, Share Market News, BSE/NSE News, Stock Exchange News Today
