In the western region of the erstwhile Chittoor district, encompassing areas such as Madanapalle, Punganur, and Palamaner, tomato farmers are experiencing a significant price increase. This surge is attributed to a combination of supply shortages and heightened demand. Just weeks ago, a 15-kg box of tomatoes was trading between ₹110 and ₹210 in local markets. This price has now escalated to ₹520 per box. "Prices have shot through the roof this week, with traders from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka thronging our markets," shared Ramaiah, a cultivator from Punganur.
The region's prominence in tomato cultivation draws traders from multiple states, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana. The decision by farmers to escalate tomato cultivation was influenced by profitable returns seen in the previous year. Nevertheless, the entry of the new crop into markets was delayed due to unseasonal rainfall and adverse climatic conditions, leading to a temporary supply crunch.
Market dynamics in Punganur reveal a drastic reduction in daily tomato arrivals, currently at 400–500 tons, down from 900 tons the previous year. Rajendra Reddy, a commission agent, notes, "With traders from other states arriving to pick up the product, prices are likely to stay up firmly in the coming weeks." Furthermore, Madanapalle, recognized as Asia's largest tomato market, has seen prices for a 25-kg crate reach between ₹575 and ₹1,100, marking a peak in superior quality produce rates.
[ ₹100 = €1.10 ]
Source: deccanchronicle.com