Uttarakhand, July 07 : The price of tomatoes has soared in northern India, with the kitchen staple reaching a hefty rate of Rs 250 per kilogram in Gangotri Dham and Rs 180 to 200 per kilogram in Uttarkashi district. Local vegetable sellers have noticed a sudden increase in tomato prices, causing consumers to hesitate in making purchases.
Rakesh, a vegetable seller, expressed concerns over the rising prices, stating that consumers in Uttarakashi are bearing the burden. In Gangotri and Yamunotri, tomatoes are being sold for Rs 200 to Rs 250 per kilogram, he added.
The surge in vegetable prices can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the prevailing heatwave in tomato-growing regions and heavy rains, which have disrupted supply chains. Additionally, tomatoes have a relatively short shelf life, further impacting their prices.
In Chennai, tomatoes are currently being sold at Rs 100-130 per kilogram. To provide relief to consumers amidst the price hike, the Tamil Nadu government has started selling subsidized tomatoes at Rs 60 per kilogram in ration shops across the state capital, Chennai.
Karnataka has also witnessed a significant increase in tomato prices. In Bengaluru, tomato prices range from Rs 101 to 121 per kilogram. The soaring prices in the state can be attributed to the sudden rise in temperatures during March and April, leading to pest attacks on tomato crops and resulting in higher market rates.
