Tomato price falls from Rs 200 to Rs 10, farmers in tears

The price of tomato has been reduced from Rs.200 to Rs.10. The Department of Horticulture and Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) attributes the sharp drop in tomato prices to two main factors: significant influx of tomatoes in the market and reduced demand for others. The situation has had a dramatic impact on tomato growers, states, with prices fluctuating wildly in just two months.

In July, the price of tomatoes in the retail market shot up to Rs 200 per kg, prompting many farmers to switch to tomato cultivation. However, hotels and households started avoiding buying tomatoes at such high prices. Tomatoes are now being sold at a mere Rs 10 per kg, leaving farmers in tears and despair.

This reduction in prices is mainly attributed to the ample supply of tomatoes in the market and the decrease in demand from other states. For instance, Kolar APMC, the second largest tomato market in Asia, received 4.21 lakh quintals of tomatoes this month alone. They received 2.31 lakh quintals in the same period last year and 3.82 lakh quintals in September 2021. Due to these increased supplies, tomato prices have come down significantly, with a 15 kg box that used to sell for Rs 2,300 in July and August now fetching just Rs 45 to Rs 120.

Tomato farmers in areas like Koppal, Chakbalapur, Mandya, Tamakuru, Chitradurga and Haveri increased their tomato production in response to the rising prices. However, many farmers in Kolar and surrounding areas have chosen not to grow their own tomatoes, as the labor cost for harvesting is higher than the potential profit in the market, making it an unprofitable business. There is an effort.

First Published: 26 Sep 2023, 11:48 IST