SRINAGAR: Kashmir is no longer facing a shortage of tomatoes, and the prices of this essential vegetable have significantly decreased.
Chairman of Kashmir Fruit Association, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, stated that the prices of local tomatoes in mandis (wholesale markets) are currently around Rs 60 to 70 per kg.
He mentioned that as the local tomato crop ripens further, the prices are expected to drop even more. The local crop was adversely affected by continuous rains, causing significant damage.
“We might receive supplies from outside, but for that to happen, the rains should stop and the weather should remain friendly,” Bashir said.
Elaborating on the recent price hike, Bashir said, “The prices were soaring due to the flood situation in Himachal. The demand was high, and the supply was very limited.” He assured that the prices will further decrease in the next 10 to 15 days. He also highlighted that untimely rains have damaged many vegetables.
“We are currently selling tomatoes at Rs 60 to 70 per kg in Srinagar mandi, while in retail markets, the price is around 100 to 110 rupees. We have issued a rate list through newspapers, and people should report to the concerned department if they find anyone selling at higher prices,” he added.
Many local vendors in Srinagar City confirmed that tomatoes are now available in good quantity in the market, and the shortage has almost ended. They attributed the soaring tomato prices to two main factors: delayed monsoon onset and non-seasonal rain and flooding in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka during the harvest periods.
Meanwhile, an official release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) states, “The Department of Consumer Affairs has directed NCCF and NAFED to sell tomatoes at the retail price of Rs 70 per kg rate from July 20, 2023, in view of the declining trend in tomato prices.”
The tomatoes procured by NCCF and NAFED were initially retailed at Rs 90 per kg and later reduced to Rs 80 per kg from July 16, 2023. The further reduction to Rs 70 per kg will benefit consumers, according to the release. (KNO)
