Just when we thought the rollercoaster ride of tomato prices had settled, Karnataka finds itself grappling with another surge. In a dramatic turn of events, tomato prices have skyrocketed by nearly 100% in the past two weeks, leaving consumers and farmers alike in a state of confusion.
In Maharashtra’a Nagpur, the price has already crossed Rs 100.
Breaking Down the Price Surge
The wholesale markets are witnessing prices around ₹40 per kg, while retail markets are selling tomatoes between ₹70 to ₹90 per kg. Online platforms aren’t far behind, with prices ranging from ₹80 to ₹100 per kg. Manjunath Reddy, a vegetable trader in K.R. Market, attributes this spike to a supply shortfall and anticipates further increases during the upcoming festival season.
The Root of the Problem
Weather Woes and Disease Dilemma
It’s not just the rain playing spoilsport. Karnataka’s tomato crops have been battling a series of diseases over the past few years. Nalini Gowda, president of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, Kolar district, explains the progression from blight to spot disease, and now the devastating bingi leaf curl disease. This latest affliction can reduce crop yields by a staggering 80-90%.
Export Challenges
The disease outbreak has severely impacted tomato exports. Even with farmers taking precautions, the crop’s shelf life has plummeted to a mere 48 hours, affecting exports to neighboring countries and other Indian states.
Farmers’ Frustrations
Farmers are feeling the heat, and not just from the weather. They’re calling for more proactive support from the Horticulture Department, seeking guidance on land and soil preparation to prevent future disease outbreaks. The lack of government support has led some farmers, like Nalini Gowda, to abandon tomato cultivation altogether.
The Garlic Conundrum
While tomatoes take center stage, another vegetable drama unfolds in the background. Chinese garlic, despite its appeal due to lower prices and ease of use, faces a ban in Karnataka due to high pesticide content. Recent raids in Udupi APMC resulted in the confiscation of five quintals of Chinese garlic.
Looking Ahead
As Karnataka navigates these agricultural challenges, the coming weeks will be crucial. Will tomato prices stabilize post-festival season? Can farmers find sustainable solutions to crop diseases? The answers to these questions will shape the future of Karnataka’s agricultural landscape.
