Tomato prices rise as rain cuts supply
NEW DELHI: The intermittent showers that have lashed the city this monsoon season have sent tomato prices soaring.
Prices of this kitchen essential have risen to about ₹100 per kg in the national capital as supplies from major tomato growing states have been disrupted due to heavy rains.
According to the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee, about 188 quintals of tomatoes have arrived at the Azadpur Wholesale market, which is being sold at up to Rs 64 per kilogram. On Tuesday, Keshopur market received 1,260.6 quintals of tomatoes, which are being sold at up to Rs 76 per kilo. The Shahdara market received 712.25 quintals that was sold at around Rs 45 per kg.
Rajender Sharma, the chairman of Azadpur Mandi, said that the prices have risen recently because of a shortage in supply. “This year, we have had very little stock come in compared to previous years. Most of the tomatoes usually come in from Himachal Pradesh during this time of the year but because of weather conditions, the harvests have not been as good, and we have not had as many tomatoes actually hit the market,” said Sharma.
In addition to Himachal Pradesh, Delhi gets tomatoes from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, according to Sharma.
With wholesale rates touching Rs 75 a kilo, by the time the consumer buys it at retail prices, the rates skyrocket even further. Local vendors are selling tomatoes at Rs 80-100/kg depending on the quality.
A relief in tomato prices looks unlikely with rains predicted to continue for some more time.
Till 8.30am on Tuesday, 3.3 mm rain was recorded in the last 24 hours at Safdarjung observatory, figure of which is considered for the city.
On Wednesday, too, a generally cloudy sky is expected and light rain/thundershowers are likely to occur. The maximum and minimum temperatures would be about 33 and 27 degree Celsius respectively.
According to him, heavy rain is predicted from Friday night and Delhi will see another wet weekend.