BELAGAVI
A shortage of tomato stocks has led to a surge in prices at the wholesale market in Belagavi, with retail prices in Goa likely to touch as high as Rs 150.
At present, the wholesale price of tomato is Rs 1,800 for a 22 kg crate and the retail price is almost Rs 100 per kilo in Belagavi. With transportation costs and other commissions, traders expect the retail prices of tomato to reach Rs 150 in Goa, if additional stocks do not reach the wholesale market in Belagavi.
Delayed monsoons in the region have affected the cultivation of tomatoes and vegetables, affecting the supply to Goa.
“Just about a month ago, tomatoes were available at a very cheap rate. We were selling 2.5 kilos of tomatoes for about Rs 30-35. The prices were normal and affordable. However, since the second week of June, prices started rising sharply,” a retail vendor at the city market said.
Traders feel the prices may come down depending upon the monsoon.
“Tomato prices may come down only if the monsoon catches up in the upper ghat region. This will result in rise of tomato and vegetable yield, which is likely in the next couple of weeks. However, any further delay in monsoon may worsen the situation as the new crops will start drying up,” a wholesale trader said.
