Regular Update
ATM News Network: India is currently grappling with a significant surge in vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes, as rain-affected areas grapple with the aftermath of heavy downpours. This surge is having a ripple effect on the prices of other staple vegetables, putting pressure on the budgets of consumers.
Tomato prices have soared to unprecedented levels, with some markets even witnessing prices as high as Rs 100 per kg. However, there's a glimmer of relief as the tomato prices have slightly decreased from the record high of Rs 250 per kg, now hovering around Rs 150 per kg. Despite this decrease, the cost remains inaccessible for many middle-class households. Consumers are adapting by adjusting their menus and curtailing tomato consumption to cope with the rising costs.
The surge is not confined to tomatoes alone. Other essential vegetables like coriander, ginger, garlic, beans, and chillies are also seeing their prices escalate. A bunch of coriander, which was once affordable, is now priced at Rs 220 per kg in city markets. Similarly, ginger is fetching Rs 250–300 per kg, garlic Rs 200 per kg, and beans are scarce, with online prices reaching a staggering Rs 160 per kg. Even the humble chilli, once a free addition to the purchase, has surged almost threefold, from Rs 40–50 per kg to Rs 120–100.
This surge has affected not only consumers but also sellers, as wholesale prices for vegetables and fruits have experienced a noticeable upward trend. The apple market, for instance, has seen apples that once cost between Rs 1200-1500 per box skyrocket to Rs 2200 per box.
The challenges stem from a supply shortage across major vegetable markets in India. Heavy rainfall has inflicted significant damage on crops, particularly in Mumbai, where the monsoons have been relentless. Experts suggest that the situation is unlikely to normalize in the near future, with at least two months needed for prices to stabilize in Mumbai markets.
This price volatility isn't confined to a specific region; it's being felt across the country. While tomato production occurs across India, the southern and western regions account for the lion's share – approximately 56-58 percent – of total tomato production.
While experts foresee a potential decrease in prices after the next two months, for now, Indian consumers are faced with the challenge of adjusting to high vegetable prices. As the rain-affected areas work to restore their crop yields, the nation watches closely, hoping for some respite from the persistent price hikes.
