The prices of tomatoes have crashed in major markets due to oversupply. They dropped from nearly ₹8000 per 100 kgs to ₹200-300 per 100 kgs. Although tomatoes were unaffordable for most households just a month ago, they are now so cheap that farmers are dumping their produce rather than incur losses in storage and transport, a familiar pattern of price volatility of key groceries that pinches both consumers and growers every alternate season.
In July, average retail tomato prices tripled from around ₹30 per kg in June to ₹109 per kg. This led to a 7.44% increase in consumer inflation, a 15-month high. Retail inflation in August slowed to 6.83% on the back of easing prices of vegetables.
On September 12, the minimum wholesale rate of tomatoes in Pune stood at ₹200 per 100 kgs (100 kg) or ₹2 a kg, according to data from the National Horticulture Board. In Hyderabad, the vegetable went for a minimum rate of ₹400 per 100 kgs, while in Mumbai, farmers were selling it for ₹800 per 100 kgs.
[ ₹100 = €1.10 ]
Source: hindustantimes.com