Supply woes in rain-hit South put tomato on the boil

After onions, tomatoes are now playing hard to get as prices have almost doubled and are reportedly selling at ₹60-80/kg in some cities.

Reacting to media reports, the Food Ministry on Tuesday cited disruption in supplies from the South due to heavy rains, adding that the arrival of new crops of tomatoes is expected to ease prices soon.

Moderate rise “Marginal increase in the prices of onions in the past week and in the prices of tomatoes is largely on account of disruption of supplies from the Southern States, which have witnessed severe, unprecedented rainfall over the last one week. These increases are expected to be temporary and normal supplies should resume soon,” a Food Ministry release said.

It said the government was closely monitoring the availability and prices of essential commodities.

“There is a moderate increase in prices during September-December due to demand supply mismatch. The government is working closely with the State governments to ensure that quick action is taken to prevent any abnormal increase in prices and to ensure adequate availability of essential commodities,” it added.

Pulses availability As regards pulses, the Ministry said strong measures to enhance availability of pulses to moderate prices in the market place continue, adding that a high-level review of the prices of essential commodities and their availability and measures required to be taken is scheduled to be held on Wednesday.

The meeting is also expected to review the progress in procurement of pulses aimed at building a buffer stock.

COMMENT NOW