Impact on Farmers and Markets
Farmers in Nashik, a major tomato-growing region, have reported that 20 kg crates of tomatoes are now fetching Rs1,500 to Rs1,600 in farm markets. This surge has translated to retail prices ranging from Rs100 to Rs120 per kg in cities like Nagpur. Even lower-grade tomatoes are being sold for Rs70 to Rs80 per kg in local bazaars such as Gokulpeth and Cotton Market.
“The rains over the last fortnight have damaged the crops, and with only a quarter of the produce saved, prices have more than doubled in a week,” said Shankar Dikhale, a tomato farmer from Nashik. He also noted that farmers had already reduced tomato cultivation this year due to poor returns last season, which further strained supply when the rains hit.
Mixed Consequences for Farmers
While some farmers have benefited from the price hike, others have suffered losses due to the damage caused by heavy rains. “If some farmers are profiting, there are others who have faced significant losses,” said Vilas Shinde, president of Sahyadri Farms, a leading tomato buyer. Shinde expects prices to stabilize once fresh crops arrive, though yields from Western Nashik are expected to be lower.
Supply Chain Affected Across Regions
The supply issues are not confined to Nashik alone. Traders in Nagpur, who typically source tomatoes from regions like Madanapalle in Andhra Pradesh and Chintamani in Karnataka, have reported dwindling supplies from these areas as well. “We’re now receiving shipments only from Amravati and Chhindwara,” said a trader at Cotton Market. Srinivasulu Reddy, a trader in Madanapalle, added, “The season is ending, and daily supply has dropped to around 100 trucks, down from the usual 2,000.”
Soyabean Prices Below MSP
Meanwhile, farmers harvesting soyabean in Vidarbha are facing a different challenge, as market rates are currently below the government’s minimum support price (MSP). Soyabean is selling for Rs3,800 to Rs4,300 per quintal, while the MSP stands at Rs4,892. Farmers are calling on the government to open procurement centres to ensure better prices during the upcoming festive season. Additionally, the cotton harvest has been delayed by another week due to weather conditions, further complicating the agricultural landscape.This ongoing disruption in both tomato and soyabean markets highlights the broader challenges faced by Indian farmers during this period of unseasonal weather and fluctuating demand.