Tamil Nadu heavy rain: Price of shallots and tomatoes goes up

Chennai: Tamil Nadu is witnessing heavy to very heavy rains in several parts which have led to an increase in vegetable prices including shallots and tomatoes.

The price of tomatoes in wholesale markets of Salem, Erode, Tiruchi, and Tiruchendur was Rs 25/kg a week ago. Now, the price has doubled to Rs 50/kg. In retail markets, the price is likely to increase up to Rs 20/kg as per the demand. The price of shallots has increased to Rs 100/kg in the Chennai retail market. It was below Rs 50/kg last week.

Muthuswamy. N, a wholesale distributor of vegetables in Erode, told IANS that the heavy rains have taken a toll on the vegetables. "Most of the goods have perished." He added that the price in the wholesale market shoots up when goods are not available naturally. "This leads to an increase in the retail market. There are cases wherein the retailers jack up the price by even Rs 20/kg, thus taking the rate astronomically."

The approaching Diwali festival has also influenced the price hike. With the festival 10 days away, the price of the vegetables will go to the higher side and both shallots and tomatoes may be costlier in the days to come, said the vendor.

Another trader from Salem, Ranganathan, said the price may not shoot up further if the rain does not destroy crops. "Rains became the main villain and we don't have any choice as the supply becomes less. If the rains take a back seat, the market will respond favourably. We are certain that it will happen this year."