- Tomato prices decline to INR 50-60/box, one-third of cost of production and transport
- Farmers seek INR 300/box as higher arrivals from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh glut markets
Hundreds of tomato growers blocked a national highway near Chikkamanahalli market in Challakere taluk of Chitradurga district on 8 August, protesting a sharp decline in tomato prices and alleging arbitrary rate reductions by traders. Farmers dumped tomatoes on the road during the protest, disrupting vehicular movement for some time.
Farmers said tomato prices, which were INR 100-150 per box until recently, have declined to INR 50-60. With cultivation, harvesting and transportation costs estimated at around INR 150 per box, growers are currently facing losses of nearly INR 100 per box.
Tomato glut weighs on Karnataka prices
The price decline has been attributed to increased arrivals at Kolar, Karnataka’s largest tomato trading hub, from both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Tomato cultivation in Challakere taluk has expanded to nearly 7,000 hectares from around 2,000 hectares earlier, increasing market supplies.
Farmers said tomato cultivation takes around three months and requires significant expenditure on fertilisers, crop protection products and maintenance. They have sought a minimum price of INR 300 per box to cover rising cultivation costs and alleged discrimination in market operations.
Outlook
Higher arrivals are likely to keep pressure on tomato prices in the near term unless market supplies moderate. The extent of fresh arrivals from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and procurement conditions at major trading centres will remain key factors for price direction.
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