Tomato prices tumble

Hyderabad: Good news for consumers. There is a steep fall in price of tomato in the city. In a span of two days the price has come down to Rs 10 a kg from Rs 50 a kg. This is because of increase in the supply of tomatoes to the markets in the city.

The farmers are selling their produce at the rate of Rs 3 to Rs 4 a kg in the whole sale markets and Rythu Bazaars. By the time it reaches the consumer the traders are minting money and selling the tomato at Rs 10 a kg.

“Tomatoes are integral part of any vegetable curry. Though prices were high in the past, still I managed to buy in small quantities. Now the prices have come down. It is a big relief for homemakers like me,” said Anusuya.

While fall in the price brought a relief for the consumers, farmers and sellers are at the receiving end. The fall in price has resulted in farmers losing heavily. A merchant, Vikram Reddy said he got tomatoes directly from the farm and sell them at the rate of Rs 7 a kg at Bowenpally and Erragadda Rythu Bazaar. “We hardly get any profit now,” he added.Some super markets are selling tomatoes at the rate of Rs 11.90 a kg. Traders say tomatoes will arrive in greater quantities by next month.