Last April, tomatoes in Bengaluru were priced at a mere Rs. 5 per kg. However, recent weather challenges and supply-demand imbalances have led to significant fluctuations in tomato prices across India. From soaring prices due to heavy rains and floods in Himachal Pradesh to rampant tomato thefts in Karnataka, the tomato market has experienced a series of unprecedented events.
Rains and Floods in Himachal Pradesh Push Up Prices:
Heavy rains and floods in Himachal Pradesh, a major tomato supplier for the country, have had adverse effects on tomato prices. The lack of tomato availability in the market due to crop damage has further driven up prices. As a result, tomato prices in Bengaluru have reached as high as Rs. 121 per kg, while prices in Chennai range from Rs. 100 to Rs. 130 per kg. North India has witnessed reports of tomatoes crossing the Rs. 250 per kg mark, while Kerala sees prices in the range of Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 per kg. The increased prices in Bengaluru and Chennai have had a ripple effect on the tomato market in Kerala.
Government Measures to Control Prices:
To mitigate the price rise, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs has instructed cooperatives such as NAFED and NCCF to procure and stock tomatoes. By directly distributing tomatoes from production areas in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra to major marketing centres, the government aims to stabilise prices and ensure fair distribution. These measures seek to address areas where retail market prices have significantly increased over the last month.
Farmers’ Windfall and Tomato Theft Incidents:
While rising prices pose challenges for the common man, some farmers have benefited greatly. Farmers in Kolar, Karnataka, who were on the verge of giving up tomato cultivation due to falling prices, found unexpected success as tomato supplies from Himachal Pradesh diminished. One farmer family from Kolar earned a staggering Rs. 38 lakh by selling 2000 boxes of tomatoes at Rs. 1900 per 15 kg box, a significant increase compared to previous years.
However, the rise in prices has also led to an unfortunate rise in tomato theft incidents. Farmers in Karnataka now find themselves guarding their tomato fields, fearing losses due to theft. Incidents such as the recent theft of tomatoes worth two and a half lakh rupees from a farm in Hassan district have left farmers sleepless, with the harvested produce requiring constant surveillance until it is handed over to distributors. Tomato thefts have become a significant concern, as highlighted by a recent incident where a gang targeted and stole a pick-up van carrying 250 kg of tomatoes in Bengaluru.
The tomato market in India has witnessed tumultuous fluctuations in prices, driven by factors such as weather conditions, demand-supply imbalances, and incidents of theft. While government interventions aim to stabilise prices and ensure fair distribution, farmers face the challenges of protecting their crops from theft. As consumers grapple with rising prices, the tomato market continues to be affected by unpredictable circumstances, necessitating ongoing vigilance and innovative strategies to address market volatility and support both farmers and consumers.
