Tomatoes hit Rs. 100/kg

Navi Mumbai: The recent heavy rains have significantly impacted vegetable production, leading to a 25% to 30% increase in prices at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market. As a result, vegetables such as tomatoes, capsicum, and cauliflower have seen prices soar, with tomatoes now retailing for as much as Rs. 100 per kilogram.

The adverse weather conditions have caused substantial damage to vegetable crops, leading to a decrease in overall production and a reduced inflow of good-quality vegetables into the market. Balasaheb Badde, a wholesaler at APMC, stated, “Due to rains, the production of vegetables has been affected, and the quantity of vegetables coming has decreased, resulting in a significant price increase of 25% to 30%”.

According to reports, the arrival of vegetables has sharply declined, with only 18 trucks carrying 824 quintals of cauliflower, 19 trucks with 754 quintals of capsicum, and 20-22 trucks delivering 1,800 quintals of tomatoes, and 4 waggons with 180 quintals of green peas reaching the APMC. The quality of the crops has deteriorated due to the subsequent heat, further limiting availability.

The wholesale price of tomatoes has jumped to Rs.60 to Rs.65 per kilogram, with retail prices reaching Rs.100. Capsicum, previously priced at Rs.30 to Rs.40, is now selling for Rs.50 to Rs.60 per kilogram, and the cost of flowers has increased from Rs.14-15 to Rs.25.

Current Prices:

Tomato: Rs.60-65 (Wholesale), Rs.100 (Retail)

Capsicum: Rs.50-60 (Retail), Rs.30-40 (Wholesale)

Cauliflower: Rs.25 (Retail), Rs.14-15 (Wholesale)

Green Peas: Rs.130-140 (Retail), Rs.100-120 (Wholesale)