Tamil Nadu tomato prices double due to rainfall and reduced supply

Chennai: Tomato prices have seen a sharp spike across Tamil Nadu in recent weeks, with wholesale rates more than doubling from Rs 10–20 per kg in June to Rs 40–45 in key markets like Koyambedu (Chennai) and Palacode (Dharmapuri).

Monsoon rains disrupt production in key states

The surge in prices has been attributed to a significant drop in supply due to heavy rainfall in major tomato-growing regions across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. These three states together contribute a large share of tomatoes sold in Tamil Nadu’s markets.

Traders say the arrival of tomatoes has dropped by nearly 30%, leading to an imbalance in supply and demand.

“We typically receive around 700 tonnes of tomatoes daily, mostly from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This has now declined to around 500 tonnes,” said M. Thiagarajan, President of the Koyambedu Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Sellers’ Welfare Association.

He added that apart from rainfall, the rising cost of cultivation is also adding pressure on prices.

Dharmapuri sees reduced cultivation

In Dharmapuri district, one of the major tomato-growing regions in Tamil Nadu, the impact is clearly visible. Farmers there typically cultivate tomatoes on nearly 12,000 hectares year-round. However, during the monsoon season, the cultivated area is scaled down to about 1,500 hectares due to the risk of rain-related crop damage.

“Tomato plants are vulnerable to fungal infections and rot when exposed to heavy rain. This is why many farmers avoid planting during the monsoon. As production falls, prices naturally rise,” said a senior agriculture department official in Dharmapuri.

Recent unseasonal showers have further reduced yield and worsened the already strained supply situation.

Traders predict price spike to continue

Wholesale traders in Palacode confirmed that the current price hike is likely to persist for another two weeks.

“This is a routine seasonal fluctuation. Prices generally shoot up when supplies dip due to monsoon damage,” said Sanjay Ram, a tomato trader.

The rise in wholesale rates has also pushed retail prices to Rs 50–60 per kg in several markets across the state, placing an additional burden on consumers.

Relief expected as supply stabilises

Agricultural officials remain hopeful that the situation will ease in the coming weeks, once supplies from other southern states pick up and fresh produce starts arriving in Tamil Nadu’s markets.

Until then, both consumers and retailers are bracing for continued high prices for this kitchen staple.

IANS inputs