According to a report, tomato prices would reach Rs 300 per kg soon

Tomatoes, which are often used in Indian cuisine, are now costing Rs 250 a kilogram (kg) in Delhi. According to wholesale sellers reported by PTI, you may soon have to pay Rs 300 per kilogram for the kitchen essential.

According to Kaushik, a member of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), vegetable wholesalers are losing money as a result of the sharp decline in sales of tomatoes, capsicums, and other seasonal vegetables.

He said that the wholesale market price of tomatoes has risen to Rs 220 per kg from Rs 160 per kg, which may further contribute to an increase in retail costs.

According to Sanjai Bhagat, a wholesaler from Azadpur Mandi, who was reported by PTI, the transportation of vegetables is quite challenging because of landslides and excessive rain in Himachal Pradesh. A significant amount of rain fell in the hill state, causing harm to the crops.

“The exporting of veggies from the growers takes 6 to 8 hours longer than normal, causing the price of tomatoes to potentially reach up to $300 per kilogram. Vegetable quality has also declined, according to Bhagat.

Since the beginning of this month, tomato prices have been under pressure as a result of supply delays brought on by rain.

A member of the Azadpur Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC), Anil Malhotra, also issued a warning about the low market supply and demand for tomatoes, which makes it harder for sellers to make a living.

“Vendors are struggling with issues including delayed vegetable exports and declining quality. Additionally, consumers have been avoiding purchasing veggies like tomatoes, capsicums, cauliflower, and cabbage, according to Malhotra, who spoke to PTI.

Tomatoes reached a retail price of Rs 203 per kg on Wednesday, according to statistics collected by the consumer affairs ministry, while the price was allegedly Rs 259 per kg at Mother Dairy’s Safal retail locations.

The previous two months have seen a nationwide shortage of tomatoes due to unusual weather. Arrivals at Azadpur, the primary feeder for Delhi, have decreased significantly over the last two days as well. Because of a shortage, wholesale costs have increased dramatically, which has had an influence on retail pricing as well, according to a Mother Dairy representative.

According to reports, depending on quality, tomato wholesale rates at Azadpur mandi, allegedly the biggest wholesale fruits and vegetable market in Asia, ranged from Rs 170 to Rs 220 per kg.