Tomato prices soar: Here's why prices are skyrocketing

As Monsoon hits India, the tomato prices in certain retail markets have surged to touch Rs 80 per kg, reported The Economic Times. This due to the heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh that has damaged the road network thus reducing supplies to consumption states.

Tomato prices skyrocket

As per The Economic Times that quoted the consumer ministry data, the daily average of the tomato prices touched Rs 55 per kg on July 3 compared to Rs 35 a month ago.

"The supply from Himachal has gone down after heavy rainfall," Manoj Kumar, a vegetable trader at Azadpur Mandi wholesale market told The Economic Times. He further added that prices are expected to rise even higher.

Monsoon in India

The Indian Meterological Department has predicted heavy rainfall till July 7 in several tomato growing regions of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh is the key supplier of tomato to North India.

"The monsoon trough is north of its normal position at mean sea level and a cyclonic circulation lies over Himachal Pradesh,"IMD said in its weather forecast for the state on Thursday. IMD has also added that this could cause landslides and mudslides, disrupting roadways and traffic.

The Weather office has also warned that heavy rainfall could cause damage to horticulture and standing crops in some areas due to inundation.

Last year too, heavy rainfall and flash floods propelled tomato prices to cross Rs 350 per kg in some retail markets. This even led to the food chain McDonald to temporarily stop using tomatoes in some outlets as there were not enough quantities meeting their quality specifications.

Generally, vegetable prices in India surge during the monsoon season as rainfall affects harvesting including plucking and packaging. Heavy rainfall also leads to more vegetable wastage during transportation impacting prices.

This year, however, severe heatwave also contributed to rise in tomato prices as it affected the horticulture, especially in South India.

Also watch: Heatwave in India: Tomato prices rise amid intense heat