Tomato prices surge to Rs 120 per kg in Chennai retail shops
Onion sells at Rs 70 a kg due to sharp dip in arrival of loads from neighbouring states
Image of Tomatoes used for Representation purposes (Photo credit: Justin George)
CHENNAI: The prices of tomato and onion have surged further in less than a week as the second crop cultivation ended, disrupting supplies countrywide. The retail price of tomato stands at Rs 120 a kg in the city while onions are selling at Rs 70 per kg, with several other vegetables too seeing a steep hike.
Traders say the trend of rising prices is expected to continue for the coming three months.
Last week, a shortage in supply from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh drove up the prices of tomato -- from Rs 40 per kg it surged to Rs 80 a kg in retail markets, while in wholesale markets, the fruit sold at Rs 60 per kg.
With just 45 to 50 vehicles carrying tomatoes arriving at Koyambedu wholesale market, the prices have risen again within a week.
Tomato is currently selling at Rs 70 to Rs 90 per kg at wholesale and semi-wholesale markets, respectively, and at Rs 120 per kg in retail stores.
“Due to supply shortage, the prices of vegetables witnessed a sudden surge recently, and we are forced to increase the rates by Rs 30 to Rs 40 per kg. Though the prices have increased drastically, consumption remains the same as we are witnessing brisk sale. The uptick is expected to continue as Ayudha Pooja and Deepavali are approaching, and the prices might increase further based on the demand-supply adjustment,” said R Eswaran, a retail vendor at Kilpauk.
The production of vegetables, especially tomatoes, is on demand across the country except Gujarat.
Though the third crop cultivation has commenced, the yield will be poor due to low production.
“Usually, during the third crop cultivation, the prices of perishable commodities remain high, and the monsoon rains would further damage the crop. This year, we expect vegetable prices to remain high until Christmas, the time when the first crop cultivation begins,” said P Sukumaran, treasurer, Koyambedu Wholesale Merchants’ Association.