Tomato Prices Skyrocket Across India Due To Crop Failures

Tomato prices have surged, now retailing at Rs 70-80 per kg, compared to the previous Rs 30-35 per kg in many parts of India. In some cities, prices have even reached Rs 90 per kilogram, affecting numerous households. This price hike is due to several factors such as adverse weather conditions impacting crop yields, supply chain disruptions, and increased transportation costs.

In Delhi, the retail price of tomatoes has sharply increased to around Rs 70-80 per kg. Mother Dairy's 'Safal' stores are selling tomatoes at Rs 75 per kg, while local vendors are pricing them similarly at Rs 70-80 per kg. Online platforms like Otipy and Blinkit list tomatoes at Rs 80 per kg. This rise in retail prices is linked to a significant increase in wholesale rates, which now range between Rs 50-60 per kg.

Factors Behind Tomato Price Surge

The rise in tomato prices began in June due to adverse weather and heatwave conditions in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. These conditions extensively damaged crops across large parts of India, impacting the supply and production of tomatoes. Reports indicate that high temperatures in key growing regions led to a 35 per cent reduction in tomato yields.

Heavy rainfall has also played a major role in the surge of tomato prices. The rains have damaged road networks, disrupting the supply chain and reducing the availability of tomatoes in various markets. Increased transport-related wastage further exacerbates the scarcity, driving prices higher. These weather-related disruptions have significantly impacted the tomato supply chain.

Impact on Farmers and Markets

Farmers report that continuous heavy rains have flooded fields, causing significant damage to vegetable crops. This has resulted in reduced arrivals of vegetables in markets, rapidly driving up prices. Traders anticipate that onion prices will remain high until October due to these supply constraints and recent weather impacts on agricultural yields.

Last year's Kharif crop was severely affected by heavy rains and flooding in northern cultivation areas and fungal diseases in southern regions. These adverse conditions caused a significant shortage of tomatoes, pushing prices over Rs 350 per kg in some retail markets. The high prices led McDonald's to temporarily stop using tomatoes in some Indian outlets. This situation highlights how vulnerable agricultural production is to weather-related challenges.

Vegetarian Thali Costs Rise

The average cost of a vegetarian thali increased by 10 per cent in June due to rising onion, potato, and tomato prices, according to Crisil Market Intelligence and Analysis' monthly "Roti Rice Rate" report.

The cost of a veg thali—which includes roti, vegetables (onions, tomatoes and potatoes), rice, dal, curd and salad—rose by 10 per cent to Rs 29.4 per plate in June from Rs 26.7 during the same period last year. It was also higher compared to Rs 27.8 in May 2024. The overall hike is attributed to a 30 per cent increase in tomato prices, a 59 per cent rise in potato prices and a 46 per cent jump in onion prices.