Bengaluru: Tomato prices have hit the roof, burdening the household budgets. Sold till recently for Rs 10 to Rs 20 per kg, the rates have now increased to Rs 78 to Rs 88 per kg.
“Tomato prices have been going up for the last eight to ten months as farmers have stopped cultivating it as they were not making profits because of low prices. As there is low supply, the prices have increased,” explained Dr Krishna, Managing Director, Hopcoms.
A street vendor, Susheela, selling vegetables and fruits near Binny Mills, said, “I buy goods in bulk and paid Rs 100 per kg for tomatoes. We are not getting enough supplies. The situation is the same in Mandya, Mysuru and even Chennai. It is because of shortage in rainfall, the vegetable is not growing well.”
Dr Krishna said, “A month ago, there were heavy continuous rains for two days over Karnataka. This led to flooding and damaged the crops. Tomatoes don't need much water and can thrive on drip irrigation. Some places like Tumakuru and Chitradurga received very less rain which was not good either for crops.”
Rains, be it too much or too less, have made it difficult for customers to buy tomatoes. Padma, a senior citizen who buys vegetables and fruits from pushcart vendors, said, “A month ago, I remember buying tomatoes for Rs 10 and Rs 20 per kilo. Suddenly I see vendors selling it for Rs 100 per kg.”
