Tomato prices see steep fall to Rs. 40 a kg in Andhra Pradesh

AMARAVATI: Tomato prices in Andhra Pradesh witnessed a significant drop in the past few days, with the prices dropping from Rs 200 per kilo to Rs 50 in just a week. Farmers of the region showed panic owing to the dropping prices.

In the Madanapalle market of Annamayya district, prices dropped to as low as Rs. 33 per kilo and A-grade tomatoes were sold for Rs.30 to Rs.40 per kg, while B-grade tomatoes ranged from Rs.21 to Rs.28 per kg.

Tomato prices were on a similar scale in the Chittoor, Anantapur, and Kurnool markets. A speculation that the prices might drop lower, posing difficulties to tomato farmers and vendors.

Traders felt that the decrease in prices was because of a higher supply of tomatoes, with tomatoes flooding into the market from Chittoor and neighbouring areas. The lack of demand was also considered one of the reasons for the fall in prices.