Brief
Tomato prices in Rayalaseema rise above ₹30 per kg, easing farmer distress
Wholesale tomato rates in Rayalaseema jumped to over ₹30 per kilogram on Oct 1, reviving hopes for better returns among more than 100,000 growers.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Tomato farmers in Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region reported a sharp price rebound on Oct 1, with wholesale rates climbing from under ₹10 to above ₹30 per kilogram, according to Deccan Chronicle.
What happened
After a prolonged slump that kept prices below ₹10/kg for months, major wholesale markets in Kurnool, Kadapa and Nandyal districts recorded prices exceeding ₹30/kg from Oct 1. Retail prices have meanwhile reached around ₹40/kg.
What the reports add
The article notes that more than 10,500 hectares are under tomato cultivation across Kurnool, Kadapa and Nandyal, producing roughly 1.16 lakh tonnes annually. Over one lakh farmers grow tomatoes in the three districts.
What was said
V. Sambasiva Reddy, a farmer from Komannuthala village, told Deccan Chronicle, “We suffered heavy losses for nearly three months due to poor prices. The price touching ₹30 a kg now has given us a fresh lease of life.” Trader K. Raghuramaiah of Kakkalapalli market added, “Tomato markets are lively once again now… there are indications that tomato prices could rise further.”
How it came about
Low prices earlier in the season had left growers questioning the viability of their crops, especially as water shortages persisted. The recent price surge is reviving confidence and prompting farmers to bring produce to market again.
Key facts
- Wholesale tomato prices in Rayalaseema crossed ₹30 per kg on Oct 1 (deccanchronicle.com)
- Retail tomato prices have risen to around ₹40 per kg (deccanchronicle.com)
- More than 10,500 hectares are under tomato cultivation in Kurnool, Kadapa and Nandyal districts (deccanchronicle.com)
- Over 100,000 farmers produce about 1.16 lakh tonnes of tomatoes annually in the three districts (deccanchronicle.com)
Sources
- [1] deccanchronicle.com — originally reported as “Rayalaseema Farmers Relieved As Tomato Prices Start Rising”
