A kilo of tomato (Rs 85-Rs 100) now costs more than a litre (Rs 84) of petrol in the city. And vegetable prices are going through the roof with each passing day. Tomatoes were sold at Rs 60-65 a kg in the wholesale market on Monday. In retail, it was sold at Rs 85-100 a kg. However, escalation in prices of vegetables is not something new during the months of June-July. It happens every year. This year, however, it's a bit severe, that all.
Why the cost escalation?
The major reason is fall in supply. According to agriculture product and marketing committee (APMC) Vashi, the supply of tomato has gone down drastically. "We are getting only 35 truck-loads of tomato against the demand of 60 truck-loads, said Shankar Pingale, director, APMC.
Where does APMC get tomatoes from?
APMC procures tomatoes from Pune, Satara and Bengaluru.
Why is there short supply, is it being hoarded?
The shortfall in tomato supply is mainly because of shortage in production. "Due to subdued rains, onion production has gone down significantly. Tomato crops is very delicate; without water it cannot be sustained for long. This year, monsoon was very scanty and intermittent," said Pingale.
It's not possible to hoard tomatoes as they are perishable. Dinesh More, a trader in Vashi APMC, told dna that most vegetables, except onions, were affordable. This is a natural calamity and hoarders have no role. Tomatoes cannot be stored to speculate on its price," said More.
When is supply expected to become normal?
"Price of tomato will remain high till fresh supply infuses the market, said More.
And you can expect supply to become normal only after the next harvest.
What do common people feel?
Rise in prices naturally affects their spending capacity. Madhuri Shinde, a Thane homemaker, told dna that she was now finding it difficult to buy vegetables, especially tomatoes. "Earlier, I used to spend Rs 1,000 a week on vegetables. Now, I require double that amount. It's affecting our monthly budget. So, we have now cut down on vegetable consumption. This is a normal scene every June-July. This time it's severe, however," said Mrs Shinde.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}