Chennai, July 30: Tamil Nadu continues to face the brunt of soaring tomato prices as the wholesale rate of the vegetable reached Rs 200 per kilogram in the state capital and various towns on Sunday.
The shortfall of tomatoes in the Koyambedu wholesale market in Chennai has triggered a surge in prices. P.V. Ahmad, a wholesale vegetable dealer in Koyambedu market, cited heavy losses in crop due to intermittent rain in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as the reason for the scarcity in tomato supplies. The total loss of crops has resulted in a shortage, driving up tomato prices.
Traders predict that the price might further rise to Rs 250 per kilogram within a week.
P. Sukumaran, secretary of the Koyambedu Wholesale Merchants Association, stated that this is the first time the tomato price has touched Rs 200 per kilogram since the market’s inception, calling it an unprecedented situation. The hope for stable rates by July 20 was thwarted due to unexpected rain, causing over 50 percent of tomatoes cultivated in Andhra and Karnataka to be lost.
While the wholesale market is selling tomatoes at Rs 200 per kilogram, some retail shops are offering them at Rs 185 per kilogram.
The surge in prices has led to a drastic decrease in sales as consumers opt for alternative vegetables. To minimize wastage, vegetable sellers like Kuppusaamy in Pammal, Chennai, are selling tomatoes at prices lower than their purchase rates.
The tomato crisis continues to cause inconvenience to people, urging them to shift their focus to other available vegetables.
