Vijayawada: While prices of most vegetables have dropped in the recent days, tomatoes have bucked the trend, skyrocketing to ₹60 per kilogram in local markets. The sharp spike comes after incessant rains in Rayalaseema — particularly Anantapur, Kadapa, Annamayya, and Madanapalle region — severely disrupted supplies.Market experts warn that if the rains continue for a few more days, prices could climb to ₹80 per kilogram within a week. At Rythu Bazaars, tomatoes are currently being sold at ₹48 per kg, but retail vendors are charging around ₹20 more, pushing prices to ₹68–₹70 in several areas.“Arrival of new stock has fallen drastically. Normally, we get 200–250 tonnes of tomatoes daily, but for the past week, it’s less than half. This shortage is pushing prices up rapidly,” said G Ramakrishna, a tomato trader at the Rajiv Gandhi Wholesale Market in Vijayawada.The spike is particularly alarming when compared to just a month ago. On July 10, tomatoes were selling for ₹24 per kg at Rythu Bazaars; by August 10, the price doubled to ₹48. Traders said that they are exploring ways to import tomatoes from Karnataka if rains continue in the Rayalaseema region.An official from the agriculture marketing authority said that the govt is closely monitoring the situation. “We are exploring direct procurement from farmers to sell tomatoes at subsidised prices through Rythu Bazaars across the state. This will help control prices and ensure affordability for the public,” the official stated.With continued rains threatening crops and supply chains, consumers may have to brace themselves for another steep price hike in the coming days.GFX Points:Rains disrupt supply– Tomato prices jump from ₹24/kg (July 10) to ₹48/kg (Aug 10) at Rythu Bazaars– Local market prices hit ₹60/kg; could reach ₹80/kg in a week– Rains in Anantapur, Kadapa, Annamayya, Madanapalle slash supply by half– Retail vendors charging ₹20 more than Rythu Bazaar prices– Govt plans direct farmer procurement to sell at subsidised rates
