Tomato prices in MH, Karnataka, AP, TN, and Kerala doubled due to low production
Tomato prices in Maharashtra and the southern states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have doubled in the last 15-20 days due to reduced production caused by intense heat waves.
Wholesale tomato prices in these states now range between ₹40-50 per kg. Although there has been no increase in prices in North India due to an oversupply of tomatoes that are ripening quickly due to high temperatures, the situation could become complicated in July, when prices typically rise due to supply shortages.
Agmarknet, a government portal on agricultural markets, reports average wholesale prices in the southern states ranging from ₹35/kg to ₹50/kg, with some reaching ₹60/kg at few markets in karnataka.
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According to Agmarknet data, prices have nearly doubled in the last two to three weeks, as well as over the previous year. On Sunday, tomatoes were priced at ₹80 per kg in Bengaluru retail stores. “This year’s temperatures were 42-44 degrees Celsius for a prolonged period, which damaged flowering and fruiting, resulting in lower production,” stated Sachin Patil, an official from the Pimpalgaon APMC (Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee) in Maharashtra’s Nashik district.
Prices in northern India remain under control as tomatoes ripen quickly on the plants as the northern states continue to suffer from heat waves, forcing farmers to harvest them and increasing market supplies. The wholesale market typically sees lower demand for ripened fruits due to their shorter shelf life.
Tomato trader Ganesh Fulsundar of the Narayangaon tomato market near Pune stated, “This year, heat has affected tomato output. The arrival of the new crop that would be harvested in the Bangalore region would determine the trend of tomato prices in the coming days.” Tomato prices follow a cyclic pattern, peaking between July and October because tomatoes are grown in very small pockets during the rainy season. Excessive rainfall during the monsoon season causes the fruits to crack, making them unsuitable for long-distance transportation.
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