The juicy tomato which is a staple vegetable in most kitchens is now beyond the reach of the common man in Odisha. Reason, the price of tomatoes per kilogram has now reached somewhere between Rs 100 and 120. The price range of the tomato varies from market to market in different parts of the state.
Not only Odisha, the consumers across the nation are now feeling the pinch of the skyrocketing price of tomatoes in the past few days. Odisha Food Supplies Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak on Wednesday blamed rains for the price rice of tomatoes.
The prices of tomatoes have skyrocketed as its supply has been impacted due to uncertain weather conditions. The supply has been mainly affected because of floods and heavy rains in the key growing states, sources said.
“As per the feedback which we have received, the rate of tomatoes has increased due to rains and most of the import is from Bengaluru. There have been some issues in transportation from Bengaluru and we hope that things will improve in the coming days,” said Nayak.
Nayak further said that the department is also cautious about the price rise of other essential commodities including pulses.
“We have already instructed department officials to put a check on the market and take appropriate action against those who are indulging in hoarding and other illegal activities. The pulses price hike is a national phenomenon and the Centre should take steps in this regard,” Nayak added.
Secretary of Chhatrabazar Traders' Association, Debendra Sahu said, “Now the price rise of tomatoes can be attributed to low production in Bengaluru and delay in harvest in Nashik. Due to the cyclone in Gujarat, the farmers who have stock in Bengaluru are demanding higher prices for the produce.”
According to Sahu, earlier 5 to 6 truckloads of tomatoes used to arrive in the market per day. It has now reduced to 1 or 2 trucks following the price rise.
“We hope that situation will ease in the next 15 days. The situation is likely to ease after harvest in Nashik. The tomato produce from various parts of Odisha is likely to come to market in November,” said Sahu.