Hyderabad, 25 November: Tomato prices have increased sharply across Telangana and multiple states. The vegetable, which was affordable until recently, is now out of reach for many households. Prices rose steeply in the third week of November.
Ten days ago, one kilogram of tomatoes sold for 15 to 20 rupees in Falaknuma and other Rythu Bazaars of Hyderabad. Prices now range between 60 and 80 rupees. Markets in Rayadurgam, Warangal and Khammam recorded rates close to 80 rupees. Data shows an increase of more than fifty percent within fifteen days.
The rise is not limited to Telangana. Several states reported similar trends due to low cultivation and damaged crops. A few weeks ago, tomato rates in Maharashtra dropped below five rupees, leading some farmers to dump their produce. Prices have now climbed again.
Chandigarh recorded a 112 percent rise. Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh recorded a 40 percent rise. In the wholesale market of Andhra Pradesh, prices touched 63 rupees per kilogram today. Last year, the market received about 700 metric tons of tomatoes each day. This year, the supply dropped to 140 metric tons.
Recent storms damaged farms in multiple districts. Tomato fields suffered extensive loss, which reduced overall production. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat recorded significant crop damage.
Market experts said prices are likely to reach 100 rupees per kilogram if the supply situation does not improve over the next month. A vegetable vendor Mohammed Shabbir told Raftaar e Deccan that tomato prices likely to be high in this entire winter season this year.