Demand slump in inter-state markets triggers steep fall in tomato prices at Chikkaballapur APMC, while farmers urge the government to introduce a support price mechanism
Chikkaballapur: A steep fall in tomato prices has triggered concern among farmers in the twin districts of Kolar and Chikkaballapur, regions known for producing high-quality tomatoes. The price of the popular Kempu Sundari tomato variety has witnessed a dramatic decline, leaving cultivators worried about heavy financial losses.
At the Chikkaballapur APMC market, a 15 kg box of tomatoes is currently being sold for just Rs 110, marking a significant drop compared to earlier rates. The sharp fall in prices has left farmers distressed as they struggle to recover even the basic costs incurred in cultivation, harvesting and transportation.
Sharp Fall in APMC Tomato Prices
Farmers bringing their produce to the Chikkaballapur Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) say the price crash has been sudden and severe. The twin districts of Kolar-Chikkaballapur have long been known as major tomato-growing belts, supplying produce to several states across India.
However, traders and market observers say the decline in demand from inter-state markets has played a major role in pushing down wholesale prices. As demand from other states has slowed, large volumes of tomatoes have accumulated in local markets, forcing prices to drop drastically.
For farmers who invested heavily in cultivation this season, the sudden slump has come as a major setback.
Retail Market Tells a Different Story
Interestingly, while farmers are forced to sell tomatoes at extremely low wholesale prices, the retail market still shows relatively higher rates. Traders in local markets are reportedly selling 5 kg of tomatoes for around Rs 100, indicating a significant gap between farm-gate and retail prices.
This disparity has raised questions among farmers about pricing practices and the role of intermediaries in the agricultural supply chain.
Consumers, on the other hand, are benefiting from the drop in prices as tomatoes have become relatively cheaper compared to previous months.
Farmers Seek Government Intervention
With prices crashing to unsustainable levels, tomato growers in the region have urged the state government to introduce a support price mechanism for tomatoes, similar to minimum support prices available for several other crops.
“The current price does not even cover the basic cost of production. Farmers are suffering heavy losses, and immediate government intervention is needed,” a farmer at the APMC market said.
Farmers say that unless support measures are introduced, many growers may face serious financial difficulties in the coming weeks.
Agricultural experts believe that price volatility in perishable crops like tomatoes often occurs due to fluctuations in supply and demand. However, they stress that better storage facilities, improved market linkages and government support policies could help protect farmers from such extreme price crashes.
