Tomato prices are up in many places in India. A sharp decline in supply has widened the demand-supply gap, causing this latest price hike. Experts claim prices won't stabilize until the new produce comes, and that will take weeks.
India produces 20 million tons of tomatoes every year, but this year the production dropped by 31 percent, pushing prices as high as Rs 100-200 per kg. This has implications for food inflation and policy-making as well.
The next produce is due in July end which means that the tomato prices won't stabilize for another two months. It is a worrisome situation not only for the farmers and consumers but also a headache for the government as tomatoes along with onions and potato prices have snowballed into political issues.
Source: cnbctv18.com