S. Chandran, president of the Koyambedu Vegetable Wholesale Merchants Association, said that the demand for tomatoes has not risen, but prices are still rising because the harvest was smaller than expected.
This means tomatoes could soon be dearer for Chennai residents. A supply crisis could drive the price to beyond Rs 50 mark (€0.64) in the wholesale market, according to traders in Koyambedu Wholesale Market. The vegetable, which is currently selling at Rs 40 a kg as opposed to Rs 25 to Rs 30 a month back, is likely to cross Rs 50 if the shortage of supply continues, says Abdul Khader, secretary of Koyambedu Vegetable Wholesale Merchants Association.
He says that the price is likely to go up as there will be a huge demand in the coming months due to Ramadan and the upcoming marriage season. Newindianexpress.com quoted him as saying: “The demand for tomatoes will be more as Muslims will be preparing nombu kanji, which requires tomatoes, and it is a prime ingredient used by wedding caterers.”