Tomato prices have soared to unprecedented levels across the country, leaving consumers in shock. In several states, the cost of a kilogram of tomatoes has skyrocketed to over Rs 100, a drastic surge that has caught everyone by surprise.
Amidst heavy rains and devastating floods in southern states like Karnataka and Telangana, as well as certain hilly regions, the tomato supply has taken a severe hit. Furthermore, farmers have pointed to scorching heatwaves that negatively impacted tomato production, exacerbating the scarcity.
The current surge in prices can be traced back to a significant drop in tomato supply during April and May, leading many growers to abandon their crops. Adding to the farmers' challenges, pest attacks surged due to the unusual heat experienced in March and April, further hampering tomato yields.
Fast-forwarding to the present, retail prices of tomatoes have crossed an astonishing Rs 60 per kilogram nationwide, reaching a staggering Rs 100 per kilogram in certain areas on Tuesday. This situation has left both traders and growers skeptical about any immediate price drops.
As shoppers struggle with exorbitant prices, social media has been flooded with amusing memes, emerging as a way for people to find humor amidst the tomato turmoil.
Take a look:
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)