Tomato rice out of hotel menus as cost of veggie hits roof

Though prices of the commodity have slightly reduced to Rs 90 in the wholesale markets, retail vegetable vendors are still selling this kitchen staple for Rs 100 to Rs 110. In the last two days, the rates had shot up to Rs 100 and Rs 120 in Koyambedu market and others, giving jitters to traders, consumers and hotel owners. 

Since inflow of tomato from other states like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh is considerably low, prices have skyrocketed from Rs 20 to Rs 110. Traders attribute the price rise to poor rainfall, large level exports and drought. 

Further, harvested tomatoes are largely being supplied for domestic purposes, leading to decline in the arrival of such vegetables to Tamil Nadu. VR Soundarajan, president, Koyambedu Vegetable Market and a wholesale trader of onions, told DTNext that the number of lorries transporting tomatoes to Koyambedu market had reduced to 35 from 60. 

“Number of lorries in other areas like Aminjikarai and T Nagar have also reduced, leading to hike in the prices of tomatoes,” he said. Asked about the reason, he said, “Since there is a high demand in Bihar and Odisha, this kitchen staple is supplied in large quantity to those states.” 

Soundarajan also exuded hope that prices would gradually come down in two weeks. Restaurants and small time eateries in the city have dropped tomato rice from their variety rice items, opting for tamarind rice instead. Others have added cabbage rice, which was not popular but is a cheaper option. 

“When I went to purchase tomato last Monday, the price was Rs 80. We prepared tomato rice, but in minimal quantities as the vegetable is used in so many gravy dishes as well,” said K Shanmugaraj, the owner of a restaurant in Royapuram. 

The price of tomato and onion (small) will be controlled, assured Cooperatives Minister Sellur K Raju as Stalin raised the issue in the Assembly on Thursday.  Raju said that state-run farm fresh outlets are selling onion (small) for Rs 40 a kg, and steps would be taken to reduce prices of tomato as it was done in the case of onion (big) last year.