Tomato rates surge to Rs 50 per kg in Chennai due to recent rains

CHENNAI: Tomatoes, much used in our daily dishes, witnessed a sudden spike in prices in Chennai after recent rains. The sudden downpour has damaged the crops in southern states - Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka due to which prices hovering around Rs 15 per kg in the wholesale market have suddenly surged to Rs 40 per kg.

"Tomato supply to Koyambedu wholesale market decreased as recent rains damaged the crop. As rains receded in Dharmapuri, Salem, Theni, Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu, and neighbouring states, prices are expected to remain stable until fresh stock arrives to the market," said P Sukumaran, Secretary, Koyambedu Wholesale Market Merchants.

Despite its usual arrival of 600 tonnes of tomatoes, recently, the market has been receiving around 350 - 400 tonnes of stock. However, a steady supply is expected after 15 days.

M Prabhakaran, member of Koyambedu Wholesale Tomato Traders Association said, "Sales have been reduced in the market since Thursday. For instance, when tomatoes were sold for Rs 15 per kg, customers purchased more than one kg. Now, they buy half a kg for Rs 20. If the rates increase further, our business will have a severe impact."

With lower quantities of the commodity, traders ensured there was no wastage of vegetables at the market. On the other hand, because of the sudden surge in tomato prices, city retail shops in Anna Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, and RA Puram sell vegetables for Rs 50 per kg.

"Due to the sudden shortage in supply, tomato prices have doubled. It affects our business, as customers purchase fewer quantities," said G Loganathan, a retailer at Anna Nagar.