A sharp spike in tomato prices has hit city residents as extreme weather conditions and labour shortages have crippled local production. Just under two weeks, tomato prices in Chandigarh’s apni mandis have more than doubled—from ₹20 per kg on June 1 to now ₹50 per kg.
Tomatoes are pinching the pockets of residents as retail outlets are selling them at ₹60 per kg, with high-quality produce nearing ₹80 per kg.
“Tomatoes are usually sourced from Punjab. Due to strong winds and an extreme heatwave, the production of tomatoes got affected. Being a perishable crop, the quality has dropped, and supply has taken a major hit. The good quality ones are being sold for nearly ₹60 per kg in mandis,” said Komal Sharma, in-charge of apni mandi, Punjab Mandi Board, adding that with local vegetables supplies ending soon and produce now being sourced from hill states, the prices of other vegetables may also rise in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the prices of staple vegetables like onions and potatoes remain stable. Onions are being sold for ₹25 per kg in mandis, while potatoes are being sold for ₹20 per kg. Several vegetables are currently being sold at lower rates than last year.
“Some vegetables and fruits have been sold at the same prices in Chandigarh over the past two weeks, which have been lower as compared to the same period in the previous years. Prices of lady finger, bottle gourd and brinjal are nearly 40% lower compared to last June, thanks to increased local production,” said Sharma.
{{/usCountry}}“Some vegetables and fruits have been sold at the same prices in Chandigarh over the past two weeks, which have been lower as compared to the same period in the previous years. Prices of lady finger, bottle gourd and brinjal are nearly 40% lower compared to last June, thanks to increased local production,” said Sharma.
{{/usCountry}}At present, lady finger is being sold for ₹40 per kg, while the rates were around ₹70 per kg last year. Capsicum and bottle gourd are being sold for ₹60 per kg and ₹50 per kg, respectively.