Marayoor: Tomato prices in the state are heading to breach Rs 150 per kg mark. At present the retail prices are at Rs 140 per kg. 

The state has more dependency on neighbouring Tamil Nadu. Though Tamil Nadu is trying to regulate prices, the attempts are not turning fruitful.

On Saturday, the rate of the 13 kg tomato crate was Rs 1,300 in the Udumalpet market. Transportation cost and retailers' margin took the rates to the Rs 140 per kg range. 

The prices skyrocketed in a period of just one week. Climate change, reduction in production, and supply deficit are the reasons attributed to the current price rise.

Price regulation attempts in general are not turning effective. However, in some of the major markets, the rates are in Rs 100-Rs 120 range. It is expected that more supply, and getting better prices for the cultivators would reduce the rate by another Rs 10 per kg. 

On the other hand, many cultivators fearing heavy rains in the June-July months switched to other crops. Many have set a hiatus on their farming activities.