Monsoon impact: Tomato costlier at Rs 60/kg

Tomato prices have jumped 3-fold to Rs 60 per kg in retail markets of major cities as the crop has been damaged following heavy rains, hitting supplies.

A key ingredient in most food items, tomato was available at around Rs 20 per kg a fortnight ago. Post-monsoon, its prices have skyrocketed as the crop was damaged and supply of good quality tomato has been hit.

In the national capital region, retail prices of tomato are ruling at Rs 55-60 per kg at Mother Dairy's 400 Safal outlets, while local vendors are charging anywhere between Rs 40 to 60 per kg depending on the quality.

There are reports that vendors in posh-colonies like Greater Kailash and South Extension are selling tomato at Rs 70-80 per kg.

Delhi gets tomato supplies from neighbouring states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, where heavy rains in the recent times have not only damaged the crop but also made it difficult for farmers to harvest the crop, traders said.

According to the data maintained by the Consumer Affairs Ministry, retail price of tomato is ruling at Rs 60 per kg in Kolkata, Rs 56 per kg in Mumbai, Rs 48 per kg in the national capital and Rs 47 per kg in Chennai.