The retail price of tomatoes and few other vegetables have skyrocketed after fresh arrivals from Maharashtra and Karnataka wholesale markets at a higher price. Consumers have to pay Rs 100 for a kilo of good quality tomatoes even as the retail price hovers around Rs 80 per kg. It is understood that the rise in price of tomatoes is because of unseasonal rain ruining the crop in the neighbouring states. This has also led to damp and average quality tomatoes entering Goa. It is learnt that due to the current conditions the high rates are likely to prevail till the end of the month.
Tomato happens to be an important ingredient in cooking. The poor and those belonging to the middle income groups will feel the pinch due to the rise in the price of tomatoes. In the run up to the elections political parties are promising several freebies to the voter such as reduced power tariff to free water. The tomatoes and vegetables procured from wholesale markets in neighbouring states could be sold to the general public at a reduced price through the government horticulture outlets.
