The spiralling cost of tomatoes may make shopping for vegetables costlier for consumers. The price of this staple vegetable has shot up by nearly three times from last week, leaving many consumers in shock.
According to A. Balu, president of Vellore Town Nethaji Market Kaikari Vyabarigal Sangam, a kilo of tomatoes was priced at Rs. 20 to Rs. 25 last week.
“This week, a box of tomatoes consisting of 25 kilos cost Rs. 1,250. In the wholesale market, the price is Rs. 50 per kilo. Retailers sell a kilo at Rs. 60,” he said.
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Like tomatoes, the cost of a number of vegetables has skyrocketed. This was mainly due to less production in summer, he said, adding, “Vellore gets its supply of tomatoes from Andhra Pradesh. Supply is hit due to low production due to the heat conditions.”
Vegetables such as brinjal, beans and “avarakkai” cost more as the yield is low.
A kilo of brinjal (thorn variety) costs Rs. 40, while buying beans could burn a hole in the pockets of consumers. A kilo of beans is priced at Rs. 80 to 100, while “avarakkai” costs Rs. 60, he said.
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Onions offer consolation for consumers as the price continue to be normal at Rs. 10 to 15. In fact, this was less when compared to last month’s rate, Mr. Balu noted.
The cost of other vegetables are (a kilo): small onion— Rs. 40, potato — Rs. 20 to Rs. 24, drumstick —Rs. 30 to Rs. 40, carrot — Rs. 40, cabbage — Rs. 20, lady’s finger — 40, snake gourd —Rs. 20 to Rs. 25, bitter gourd — Rs. 25 to Rs. 30, green chillies — Rs. 50, ginger — Rs. 50, beetroot — Rs. 30 and a bunch of coriander is Rs. 30 to Rs. 40.
Mr. Balu added that it was not the season for peas and cauliflower. “Cauliflower might be sold but it will not be of good quality,” he added.
For consumers, there might not be any relief from these skyrocketing prices for now.
He said that the rates of vegetables would continue to be high for at least a month.