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Tomato Price Hike: The price of tomatoes has increased by Rs 20 in different cities. 90 to 100 per kg. This has affected the pockets of crores of families. According to media reports, the retail price of tomatoes in Ahmedabad is Rs 20. It has become 100-120.
In many cities including metros like Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, the price of tomato is Rs 20 per kg. It has reached 100 per kg. The reason for the increase in tomato prices is believed to be the reduced production of tomatoes due to extreme heat in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. According to a report, due to the heat, tomato income has declined by 35 percent in major tomato producing areas like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Difficulty in delivering tomatoes to big cities
Rain is also being considered as the reason for the high price of tomatoes. Heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh have damaged roads, making it difficult to transport tomatoes to major cities. Tomatoes from Kerala are also not able to reach the markets on time because transport services have been disrupted due to rain. Therefore, prices have increased.
Tomato prices increased by 70 percent
According to the price monitoring department of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, the average retail price of tomatoes on July 7 was Rs. 59.87 per kg compared to Rs. 35 a year ago. Prices have risen by more than 70 per cent. Even on online marketplaces in many parts of the country, the price of tomatoes is Rs. 80 to Rs. 90 per kg. According to CEDA, the average price of tomatoes across the country till the beginning of July was Rs. 20. 59.88 per kg.
Prices increased due to monsoon
Prices have been rising continuously since May. Tomato prices vary in different regions of the country. In North India, the price of tomato ranges from Rs. 50 to 60 per kg. In North-East, West and South India, the price ranges from Rs. 60-70 per kg. Usually, harvesting and packing of vegetables becomes difficult during the rains. In such a situation, the prices of vegetables increase in the monsoon season.
Last year too, after heavy rains and floods, the price of tomatoes had increased to Rs 20. 350 per kg. According to a report, due to the increase in the prices of tomatoes, onions and potatoes, a plate of simple vegetables prepared at home has become 10% more expensive in the last month.
RBI wants to reduce inflation to 4%
According to Crisil, prices of tomatoes, onions and potatoes have increased by 30%, 46% and 59% respectively. This surge in vegetable prices is mainly due to adverse factors affecting supply. Food prices, which are always fluctuating, now account for almost half of the total consumer goods prices. However, inflation fell to 4.75% in May. The RBI's target is to reduce inflation to 4%.
Effect of heat on the prices of vegetables and fruits
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das recently said that rising heat and falling water levels could affect the prices of vegetables and fruits. Food inflation rose to 8.69% year-on-year in May, slightly lower than 8.70% in April. Food prices have been rising at a rate of more than 8% annually since November 2023. Vegetable inflation stood at 32.42% in May, up from 23.60% in the previous month. Onion inflation stood at 58.05%, while potato inflation stood at 64.05%. Pulses inflation rose to 21.95% in May.
When will we get relief from tomato prices?
Now Kharif season tomatoes have started coming in the market. From August to September, new crops will gradually start coming in the market, due to which prices are expected to fall. Even if the demand falls and the supply increases, the prices of tomatoes can come down. Like last year, this time also if the government sells tomatoes in the open market through government agencies, then the prices may come down. For this, the government can increase the minimum support price (MSP) or import tomatoes. This step will also help in controlling the price.
