Tomatoes at Rs 100 per kg: Heavy rain, supply shortage lead to skyrocketing vegetable prices in Tamil Nadu

The Koyambedu market in Chennai, which caters to the needs of the entire city, reported a price surge for not only tomatoes but also many other vegetables by around 30 per cent. Traders’ associations estimate that the third crop beginning in July would bring about sufficient supply and help stabilise prices.

The current prices of various vegetables per kilogram are as follows: beans – Rs 80, broad beans – Rs 80-90, brinjal – Rs 50, drumstick- Rs 60, carrot – Rs 40-60, beetroot – Rs 30, and onions and potatoes – Rs 15-20.

All these rates have been skyrocketing over the past two weeks. For instance, tomato was Rs 10 to 20 per kilogram in many markets in Chennai, Coimbatore and Trichy until two months ago. Price surge follows the same pattern in a variety of products: Shallot prices surged from Rs 60 to Rs 100, onion from Rs 20-25 to Rs 40-50, country vegetables like brinjal and drumsticks are being sold at Rs 60 and Rs 80 per kilogram compared to the price of Rs 30 and 50 per kilogram last week. Beans and carrots prices also increased from Rs 80 and 50 per kilogram last week to Rs 120 and 80 per kilogram.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss Tuesday demanded the state government set up fair-price shops in all districts and increase the number of outlets as the prices of essential food items such as rice and pulses have also been steadily rising in Tamil Nadu.

“Additionally, farmers and small traders should be encouraged to sell tomatoes and other vegetables at lower prices. This can be achieved through self-help groups and small-scale vendors, facilitating their participation in selling vegetables at reasonable rates. Such measures will help stabilise the prices of vegetables in the market and benefit the general public,” Ramadoss said.

“Other essential commodities and grocery items have seen an average price rise of 10-20 per cent. This situation makes it even more difficult for low-income and middle-class people to afford tomatoes and other vegetables. The government must take necessary steps to control the prices of rice, pulses, and tomatoes,” he said.

“In Tamil Nadu, districts such as Thiruvallur, Krishnagiri, and Salem are known for abundant tomato production. Farmers were throwing away thousands of tons of tomatoes in fields and on the roads a few weeks ago. Tomatoes were not even worth one rupee back then. But now, they are being sold for Rs 100 per kilogram,” he added.

Ramadoss demanded that the state take immediate action to regulate and fix fair vegetable prices, “providing justice to both farmers and consumers”.