Srinagar, July 14: With each passing day, the cost of tomatoes, one of the most important household staples, is rising. Although it might cost up to Rs 150 per kg in some places, the people of Kashmir have to shell out between Rs 170 and Rs 200 per kilogramme.
Kashmir is anticipating respite next week as indigenous produce has begun to arrive in wholesale markets, despite the region’s skyrocketing tomato costs.
Similar to other areas, Kashmir is also experiencing a major tomato scarcity, which has caused market prices to increase by 400%.
” Last month I bought tomatoes for Rs 30 per kg today it is being sold at Rs 200 per kilogram which is an unprecedented rise in the market,” said Arif Ahmad, a Srinagar resident adding till the prices will come down he has decided to keep tomatoes out of his platter.
Hotel and restaurant owners too are facing problems in preparing dishes in which the tomato is the main ingredient.
In June, the Parimpora Vegetable Market’s wholesale price for tomatoes was Rs 30 per kilogramme. The cost increased to more than Rs 100 per kilogramme by the first week of July. The drop in supplies from several parts of the nation has caused the retail price to virtually double to Rs 200 per kilogramme.
The unpredictable weather in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka as well as the sharp price decline four months ago took a heavy toll on tomato farming, leading to a supply crisis. By February 2023, tomatoes cost between Rs 5 and Rs 10 per kg; now, they cost between Rs 120 and Rs 130 per kg in the city. Because of a price drop a while back, families are now compelled to make concessions with tomatoes, an essential staple in the kitchen. Farmers opted to reduce crop cultivation by almost 50% in March as a result of tonnes of perishable goods being dumped in Tamil Nadu and adjoining states not receiving favourable prices, which caused the current situation.
