Tomato Prices: A Rollercoaster Ride for Commoners
Tomatoes have been a cause of concern for everyday people due to their soaring prices. The cost of tomatoes, which has been steadily increasing, has now reached an alarming level, comparable to hitting a triple century in cricket.
A Shifting Scene: Tomato Market Dynamics
The situation is, however, starting to change. More tomatoes are entering the market, leading to a shift in dynamics. In the Telugu states, the price per kilogram has dropped below 150 rupees. Notably, government-operated farmers’ markets are selling tomatoes at a more affordable range of 60 to 70 rupees.
Market Price Variations: Tomatoes in the Market
When observing the wider market, the price of one kilogram of tomatoes varies. It’s being sold for around 100 to 130 rupees. In some locations, the price goes as high as 140 to 150 rupees per kilogram. Taking a look at the scenario in Hyderabad city from ten days ago, only 850 quintals of tomatoes were imported. However, just yesterday, two thousand quintals of tomatoes flooded the wholesale market.
These tomatoes largely came from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Additionally, surrounding districts of Telangana, including Hyderabad, are also contributing to the tomato supply. Consequently, the price dropped to 100 rupees per kilogram. There’s anticipation that the situation will continue to improve by the end of August, possibly stabilizing between 50 to 70 rupees per kilogram.
Rising Costs of Essentials: A Struggle for Common People
On the flip side, the prices of other essential items have also seen a sharp rise. Cooking oil, rice, wheat, and pulses have witnessed significant cost increases. Green chillies are priced at around 120 to 140 rupees per kilogram. The costs of vegetables like capsicum and beans are also competitive. Black pepper’s price has climbed to the range of 380 to 400 rupees per kilogram.
These escalating prices are putting a strain on the general public, especially those with modest incomes. Employees and laborers, who earn meager salaries, are facing substantial challenges due to these elevated essential commodity prices that have persisted for the past three to four months.