Tomato prices have skyrocketed to Rs 80 per kg in some retail markets, driven by heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh that damaged roads and reduced supplies to major cities. The consumer affairs ministry’s price monitoring division reported that the average retail price of tomatoes rose to Rs 55 per kg on July 3, up from Rs 35 a month ago.
Last year, a similar situation caused by heavy rainfall and floods saw tomato prices soar past Rs 350 per kg in some places, prompting McDonald’s in north India to temporarily halt tomato usage due to insufficient supply meeting quality standards.
During monsoon seasons, vegetable prices often surge as rain affects harvesting and transportation, leading to increased wastage and higher prices. This year, tomato prices started rising in June, particularly in southern India, due to adverse effects from extreme heatwaves on crops.
The disruption in tomato supply from Himachal Pradesh due to heavy rains has been a significant factor in the price hike. Manoj Kumar, a vegetable trader at Azadpur Mandi wholesale market, noted, “The supply from Himachal has decreased after heavy rainfall,” predicting further price increases.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh’s tomato-growing regions until July 7, which could worsen the situation by further inflating prices. IMD warned of potential landslides and mudslides disrupting transportation routes and posing risks to standing crops.
In addition to transportation challenges, heavy rainfall poses threats to horticulture and crops, potentially causing damage from flooding, according to the weather office.