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. Tomato prices have witnessed a sharp increase across the country, leaving consumers grappling with the soaring costs of this essential kitchen staple. Delayed monsoon, inadequate production and extreme heat have been cited as key reasons behind the increase in tomato prices across the country. The reason for the current high prices of tomatoes can be traced back to their sudden fall in April-May, which led many growers to abandon their crops. The rabi crop is grown mainly in Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The kharif crop is grown in Uttar Pradesh, Nashik in Maharashtra, and elsewhere in the country. It is learnt that seeking to offset the soaring price of tomatoes, the Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday launched the sale of the commodity at Rs 60 to Rs. 82 a kilo through fair-price shops. The state government should make tomatoes available at a reduced price through the Goa Horticulture Corporation stalls.
