Tomato Price Surge: Impact of Weather and Supply Chain Disruptions

The cost of tomatoes has once again sharply escalated in various cities across India, reportedly surpassing the Rs 100 per kilogram threshold. This surge is anticipated to impose considerable strain on household budgets nationwide.

The primary reason behind this price hike can be attributed to adverse weather conditions affecting several states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. These conditions have significantly damaged tomato crops, leading to a substantial decrease in both supply and production.

Additionally, heavy rainfall has exacerbated the situation by damaging road networks and disrupting supply chains, thereby hindering the transportation of tomatoes to major markets. This disruption, combined with increased wastage during transportation, has further diminished tomato availability and consequently driven prices upwards.

This recent surge in tomato prices is not an isolated incident. Similar spikes occurred last year around June 2023, when prices also exceeded Rs 100 per kilogram due to supply shortages, low production levels, and delayed monsoons in various regions.