Farmers Face Losses Despite Record High Prices
In Mysuru, India, tomato prices have soared to an unprecedented Rs 100 per kg. However, this price surge does not translate to profits for local farmers, who are grappling with significant losses due to wilt disease affecting their crops. The wilt disease, exacerbated by recent incessant rains and sudden weather changes, has severely impacted yields, leaving farmers struggling to recover their investments in tomato cultivation.
Farmers in the region, who had previously benefited from high returns, now face a challenging situation. Efforts to protect the remaining crops are ongoing, but they come with high costs for fertilizers and pesticides, further straining farmers’ resources. The persistent adverse weather conditions have made it difficult for farmers to maintain healthy crops, resulting in reduced productivity.
The situation is similar in the Madanapalle tomato market, Asia’s largest, where A-grade tomato prices have spiked to Rs 88 per kg amid a supply shortage. Retail prices have surged past Rs 100, with street vendors selling tomatoes for Rs 120-130 per kg. This dramatic price increase is attributed to the adverse weather conditions that have severely affected crop yields, leading to a significant reduction in the quantity of tomatoes reaching the market.
The supply shortfall is compounded by a spike in demand. Traders from various regions are flocking to the Madanapalle market, seeking the high-quality tomatoes renowned for their natural color, shine, and size—a result of the region’s favorable land and climatic conditions. This increased demand, coupled with reduced supply, has driven prices to record highs, affecting both farmers and consumers.
