Tomatoes are being sold at a reduced price of Rs. 40/- per kg at the wholesale vegetable market in Koyambedu, Chennai Metro City. However, the price has reached a peak over the last month in Tamil Nadu.
Usually, around 70-75 Lorries (approximately 700 tons) from other states arrive daily at Koyambedu, carrying tomatoes. Presently, only 30-35 Lorries are arriving daily, carrying around 350 tons of tomatoes.
Consequently, the prices of tomatoes have soared to Rs. 150/-+ over the last few days.
As of Monday (31st July), only 35 Lorries were carrying tomatoes. This resulted in the wholesale price of tomatoes reaching Rs. 160/- per kg, while the retail price escalated to Rs. 180/- per kg. In some outside places, the price even reached Rs. 200/- per kg.
Market wholesale traders indicate that there is hope for a reduction in tomato prices only if a greater quantity of tomatoes arrive from Andhra and Karnataka.
Today (Tuesday, 1st August), tomatoes are scheduled to be sold at 300 Fair Price Shops. Additionally, arrangements have been made to sell tomatoes in at least 10-15 Fair Price Shops, distributing 1 kg of tomatoes per buyer.