Tomato Price: Heatwave and low production increased the prices of tomatoes; RBI's efforts to reduce inflation may backfire

Retail prices of tomatoes have now touched Rs 120 a kg in some parts of the country due to scorching heat, low production, and delayed rains. In wholesale markets, it is up to Rs 70 per kg. Along with tomatoes, the prices of some vegetables have also increased rapidly. In such a situation, these prices can turn the water on RBI's efforts to reduce inflation.

According to traders, tomato prices in May were Rs 3-5 a kg in the wholesale market and Rs 10-20 a kg in the retail market. But in June it suddenly increased and is now above Rs 100. Tomato prices have tripled in the last week. Due to less supply of tomatoes from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, tomatoes are coming from Bangalore. The crops have been damaged by the recent rains. Due to this, traders are erecting plants based on wires. Traders of Delhi are talking to the farmers of Maharashtra to get tomatoes.

If there is more rain, the price may remain high

Traders say that there is no possibility that the prices will remain high in the future. When the new crop arrives, the prices are expected to come down. But if there is excess rain in Himachal Pradesh and other states, the crops may be affected and prices may remain high. According to reports, tomato sowing was down last year as most farmers had switched to beans. Due to the higher price of beans as compared to tomatoes, farmers earn well.

the crop was ruined

Traders say that when tomato prices hit rock bottom last month, farmers had left their crops in the fields, leading to crop failure and reduced arrivals. Due to low prices, farmers did not spray pesticides or fertilizers on the crops, due to which the production decreased.

Effect of Heat and Cyclone 'Biparjoy'

Experts say that on the one hand, the rains caused by the Biparjoy storm have affected the tomato crop in states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, on the other hand, due to the scorching heat in Bihar and West Bengal, the tomato crop has also been damaged. As a result, the arrival of tomatoes in the mandis of many states of the country decreased, due to which the prices skyrocketed overnight.

Rise in prices of green vegetables

The onset of monsoon rains also affected the tomato crop. Not only tomatoes, but a jump is also being seen in the prices of other green vegetables in the mandis. However, it is expected that there will be relief in prices in some states in the next one or two months when the arrival of new consignments of tomatoes and other vegetables will increase.

Also Read: West Bengal: Election Commission asked for 800 companies of central forces for panchayat elections, 315 were sent