Sambalpur: Tomato Prices Skyrocket Again After Two Months in Sambalpur; Hits Rs.120 per Kg
Sambalpur: Just two months ago, tomato prices reached ₹100 per kilogram, making them unaffordable for many. Recently, prices have risen above ₹100. For the past four days, tomatoes have been selling at ₹120 per kilogram. As a result, middle- and low-income families are now struggling to buy tomatoes for their kitchens.
Sudden Price Rise Causes Concern
After a brief respite in August, when tomato prices dropped to ₹30 per kilogram, they began to rise again within two weeks. The price has steadily increased from ₹50 to over ₹100 and has now reached ₹120. Because of this sharp increase, many people are purchasing fewer tomatoes or avoiding them entirely, making them a luxury item for the average consumer.
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Limited Local Production
Tomatoes are grown in some parts of Sambalpur, but the district requires approximately 5,000 quintals per day. Unfortunately, local production accounts for less than half of the demand, and only during certain seasons. This shortage forces the region to rely heavily on tomatoes from other states, just as people rely on potatoes and onions throughout the year.
Farmers Struggle with Low Prices
During the local tomato season, prices often drop due to oversupply, causing farmers to sell at a loss. The lack of sufficient cold storage facilities adds to their woes, as they are unable to store their produce for longer periods. As a result, the interest in growing tomatoes is gradually declining among local farmers.
Dependence on Southern India
In such cases, tomato traders in Sambalpur become increasingly reliant on supplies from South India. Despite the fact that potatoes and onions are considered essential commodities, traders have struggled to keep tomato prices stable. Because tomatoes are not classified as an essential item, their supply chain and distribution remain largely unregulated. This has allowed black market operators to freely manipulate prices.
Possible Price Control Unlikely Soon
According to local traders, tomato prices are unlikely to stabilize unless local production rises. Until then, Sambalpur residents will have to deal with ongoing high prices and fluctuating supply.
