Vijayawada: A steep rise in tomato price is straining on people’s household budgets across Andhra Pradesh. The retail price of tomatoes touched 70 per kg on Tuesday. This surge was after state govt’s decision to halt subsidies for tomatoes in Rythu Bazaars, leaving many consumers to strike the vegetable off their shopping lists.
Tomatoes, staple in most households, are typically abundant during winter. However, this year’s adverse weather conditions led to severe shortage of the produce. Heavy rains in June, July, and August damaged tomato crop in key regions like Madanapalle and Anantapur. This resulted in a supply crunch that started during the rainy season and continues to persist.
Currently, AP is relying on tomato imports from Karnataka to meet demand.
“Until recently, govt provided subsidised tomatoes in farmers’ markets, which eased retail market pressure. But the prices have spiked since the subsidy ended. We are now purchasing tomatoes at ₹60 per kg. The prices may rise to ₹80 per kg,” said Merugu Raghava Rao, a trader at Rajiv Gandhi wholesale market.
Adding to the ongoing crisis, cyclone warning is threatening to disrupt supply chains further, particularly as tomato exports from the Madanapalle region. Meanwhile, heavy rains and floods in the NTR district significantly reduced tomato cultivation, exacerbating the shortage.
Consumers urge the govt to reintroduce subsidies in farmers’ markets, especially as vegetable prices continue to soar.
“Affordable tomatoes would allow common man to enjoy good meals without breaking the bank,” said A K Bhavani, a homemaker.
