After the hike in electricity rates, tomato prices have touched Rs 100 per kg in the state capital, affecting people. Significantly, tomatoes are the main ingredient of the local cuisine and the middle and lower middle classes are forced to prepare food without them. On the other hand, the increase in prices has made tomato growers in the state happy as they are getting good money after a long time.
The prices of the best quality tomatoes have touched Rs 100 per kg in malls and supermarkets. Tomatoes of the third quality that are coming to the local markets, where most of the families shop, are priced at Rs 60 to 80 per kg. Traders say that looking at the trend, the prices will soon reach Rs 100 a kg here too. Market sources said that there has been a sharp decline in the arrival of tomatoes in the Kolar Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) this season. The market, which provides a major chunk of supplies to Bengaluru, saw an arrival of 300 to 400 loads. This season it has come down to 100 loads. First quality tomatoes are being exported to Kerala and Gujarat.
Market sources are expecting tomato arrivals from Nashik. Tomato production was affected due to foliar disease. However, the farmers who managed to produce a good crop are happy with the profits they are making this season. Recently, the farmers were protesting by throwing the crop on the roads due to the huge fall in the prices of tomatoes. Middle and lower middle class families running their families with a tight budget have started using tamarind instead of tomatoes for preparing food. Hotels have also stopped using tomatoes and most have removed tomato soup from the menu.
