India: Punekars in despair as tomato prices skyrocket

The sudden hike in tomato prices has left residents distraught, especially after predictions that the rates would drop after a bumper crop in Nashik and Pune district. Punekars have been forced to shell out up to Rs 40 for a kilo of tomatoes, while the retail price in Nashik is down to Rs 5 per kg.

"Two days ago the rates were fluctuating between Rs 500 to Rs 750 per quintal, but now it has risen to Rs 1,500 per quintal in just two days," said ND Ghule, official at Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), Pune. He also added that although the prices of other vegetables have increased marginally, the hike in tomato prices is quite distinct. "Generally, as winter approaches there is abundance in tomato produce. But, this time the supply to the wholesale market itself is low," said Ghule.

Meanwhile, retailers also claim that the decrease in supply has drastically affected their profit margins. Manoj Kesari, 24, a vegetable vendor from Satara Road, said, “Earlier, I bought tomatoes for Rs 5to Rs 6 a kg, and sold it for Rs 10 to Rs 12 per kg.

Now, I am forced to sell mediocre quality tomatoes for at least Rs 30 a kg because my cost price is Rs 20.” While the prices of vegetables vary depending upon the locality, residents are definitely feeling the pinch.

"The tomato is a basic ingredient used in every day cooking. A hike of Rs 10 per kilo definitely affects the budget of a middle-class household. Now, if the prices do not drop, then we will have to resort to using fewer tomatoes in our meals, like we did when onion prices had skyrocketed," said Kalavati Biradar, 42, a housewife in Kodhwa.

Source: iamin.in