Some Indian farmers are becoming wealthy thanks to an eight-fold increase in tomato prices, but their windfall gains might not last long given that supplies are projected to increase in the coming weeks.
According to data gathered by the food ministry, tomato retail prices were Rs 178 ($2.20) per kilogramme in Delhi on Sunday, up more than 700 per cent from January 1. On that day, the national average was close to Rs 120.
Due to the price increase, which was brought on by supply disruptions from heavy rains, many homes have temporarily stopped using tomatoes, a staple ingredient in popular Indian recipes. However, growers are overjoyed.
Through the use of mobile vans, the government has begun offering tomatoes for sale at reduced prices in numerous locations. Prices are still exceedingly expensive for consumers in a nation of 1.4 billion people, even though it is beginning to have some effect. Although tomato prices often increase in the wet months of July and August, this year’s increase has been unique.
Growers are celebrating their current good fortune even if prices are anticipated to decline in the upcoming weeks with an improvement in truck movements.
