Indian tomato prices soar

 In Vellore, Tamil Nadu, the price of tomatoes has almost tripled over the past week. Tomatoes in Ve…

 In Vellore, Tamil Nadu, the price of tomatoes has almost tripled over the past week. Tomatoes in Vellore come from Andhra Pradesh, where the supply has been limited by the harsh summer heat.

According to A. Balu, president of Vellore Town Nethaji Market, a kilo of tomatoes was priced at Rs. 20 to Rs. 25 last week.

“This week, a box of tomatoes consisting of 25 kilos cost Rs. 1,250. In the wholesale market, the price is Rs. 50 per kilo. Retailers sell a kilo at Rs. 60,” he said.

Like tomatoes, the cost of a number of vegetables has skyrocketed. This was mainly due to less production in summer, he said.

Vegetables such as brinjal, beans and “avarakkai” cost more as the yield is low. A kilo of brinjal (thorn variety) costs Rs. 40, while a kilo of beans is priced at Rs. 80 to 100; “avarakkai” costs Rs. 60, he said.

Onions offer consolation for consumers as the price continues to be normal at Rs. 10 to 15. In fact, this was less when compared to last month’s rate, Mr. Balu noted.

The cost of other vegetables are (a kilo): small onion— Rs. 40, potato — Rs. 20 to Rs. 24, carrot — Rs. 40, cabbage — Rs. 20, lady’s finger — 40, snake gourd —Rs. 20 to Rs. 25, bitter gourd — Rs. 25 to Rs. 30, green chillies — Rs. 50, ginger — Rs. 50, beetroot — Rs. 30 and a bunch of coriander is Rs. 30 to Rs. 40.

Mr. Balu said that the rates of vegetables would continue to be high for at least a month.