Tomato shortage drives prices up

In India in the big cities, the prices of tomatoes register spectacular increases. This increase can be explained by a reduced supply due to the rains which affected the main producing regions.

 

In India, out of season rains damaged crops in several states (Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka) which produce a lot of tomatoes. In some regions nearly 60% of the tomato crop is affected and a much smaller volume can be marketed causing prices to rise.

 

Local media reports that in Kolkata the price of tomato has reached 72 INR (0.96 USD) per kilo, while 1 month ago the price was 38 INR (0.51 USD). In the cities of Delhi and Chennai, tomato prices have risen from INR 30 ($ 0.40) to INR 57 ($ 0.76) per kilo in a matter of weeks.

 

A harvest is underway in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Andra Pradesh, Karnataka. New harvests are expected in about 2 to 3 months and should allow tomato prices to return to normal.

 

India is the 2nd largest producer of tomatoes after China, with a volume of 19.75 million tonnes according to National Horticultural REsearch and Development Foundation.

 

 

 

source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com, businessinsider.in