Tomato prices soar as rains disrupt supply and impact vegetable markets

Time of India

7 days ago

Vijayawada: Tomato prices have soared across Andhra Pradesh as incessant rains disrupted harvesting in major production zones like Anantapur, Madanapalle, and surrounding areas.
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The heavy downpour halted tomato plucking and slowed transportation, leading to a sharp drop in supply to local markets and Rythu Bazars.
Currently, tomatoes are being sold at Rs 60 per kilogram in retail markets, while Rythu Bazar rates stand at Rs 45 per kilogram. This sudden surge has burdened both vendors and consumers, especially homemakers managing kitchen expenses.
The continuous rainfall has not only affected tomatoes but also impacted the overall vegetable availability, particularly leafy greens, which have seen a drastic fall in supply due to crop damage and muddy fields.
Traders at Rajiv Gandhi wholesale market in the city admit that the hike is temporary. "The supply chain is hit due to the rains. If the weather clears in the next five days, prices will start easing," said Ravi Kumar, a vegetable trader.
However, consumers have expressed frustration over the situation. K Sridevi, a homemaker from Governorpet, alleged that traders were diverting high-quality tomatoes to retail outlets and dumping lower-grade stock at Rythu Bazars.
"We expect better produce at Rythu Bazars, but what's being sold is often bruised or half-ripened," she said.
Officials from the agriculture marketing department said they are closely monitoring the situation and will take action if any malpractice is found. "We are closely monitoring the prices of veggies. Tomato prices are expected to stabilise soon. We have taken measures to supply fine-quality tomatoes to the consumers at Rythu Bazars. Serious action will be initiated against the traders who are diverting the stocks to retailers," said a senior official at the agriculture marketing department.
If rains continue in the coming days, prices may stay high or increase further. However, with improved weather and restored transport, the situation is expected to stabilise soon.