Tomato Prices Shoot Up High At Rs 60-75 Per Kg?:- As rains have damaged the crop in major producing states such as Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, in most retail markets in the country, the tomato (the main staple of the kitchen), prices are ruling in the range of Rs 60-75 per kg.

With rains receding in some parts, the the supplies are expected to improve in the coming days, thus helping transport of the crop to mandis. For the last two weeks, the tomato prices, have increased up. As per the official data, in Kolkata, it is available at Rs 75 per kg, Rs 70 in Delhi, Rs 60 in Chennai and Rs 59 in Mumbai.

“Frequent rains have not only damaged the tomato crop in big producing states like Karnataka, but also affected the transportation,” Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Deputy Director General (Horticulture) A K Singh told PTI.

According to reports from the states, the rains have started fading out out in Karnataka, giving some relief to growers and traders. The supplies from the state will begin to improve, he said.

Due to rains, in the case of Uttar Pradesh, the part close to Uttarakhand is still stricken, while the western region closer to Delhi is recovering. There are mixed reports from Madhya Pradesh.

Singh said currently, it is difficult to estimate the extent of damage of the kharif crop. But, huge area under tomato crop is in these States and due to poor infrastructure and transportation, the supplies could not reach mandis.

As per the government estimate, the country’s tomato production is estimated to be higher by 15% at 187 lakh tonnes in 2016-17 crop year (July- June).

SUPRAJA