Sambalpur: Tomato Price Touches 80; Potatoes and Onions Cause Concern
Sambalpur: Normally, the scarcity of tomatoes during the summer season leads to significant price hikes, sometimes causing farmers to protest by dumping tomatoes on the roads. However, this year, the price of tomatoes has not dropped below 20 rupees at any point. Currently, for almost a week now, the price has reached 80 rupees. As a result, this essential vegetable is now out of reach for the poor. Meanwhile, even during the production season, the prices of potatoes and onions have been persistently high for over a month, causing distress among consumers.
Last year, the price of tomatoes had peaked at 200 rupees. For a long time, the soaring tomato prices had troubled everyone from the poor to the middle class. The high price of tomatoes has also sparked political debates. This year, suddenly within a week, the prices have skyrocketed. Tomatoes that were being sold for 30 to 40 rupees per kg are now being sold for 80 rupees. Even lower-quality or damaged tomatoes are not available for less than 60 rupees. There is a concern among traders that the prices might rise even further, possibly crossing 100 rupees. The current high prices have made tomatoes a distant dream for the poor and a burden for the middle class.
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An important point is that during the summer season, tomato production is usually abundant. Particularly in the Hirakud reservoir areas of Jharsuguda and Bargarh districts, tomatoes are grown extensively. However, due to the lack of adequate storage facilities, farmers often fall prey to middlemen and are forced to sell their produce at low prices. This year, due to the heavy rainfall and storms caused by the Kalabaishakhi, tomato crops in the district and surrounding areas have suffered extensive damage, leading to an uncontrollable price rise. Moreover, as of now, tomatoes from cold storage facilities outside the state have not arrived in the district, and the local tomatoes are the only ones available, contributing to the price hike.
Meanwhile, potatoes and onions, even during their production season, are being sold for 30 to 40 rupees per kg. If the concerned department does not take measures to control these prices, there is a fear of increasing dissatisfaction among consumers.
