Tomato farmers are facing a severe crisis as prices have plunged dramatically in the markets. A 25-kg box of tomatoes is selling for just ₹30 to ₹55, leaving farmers with only ₹2–3 per kilogram. With even transportation and harvesting costs becoming difficult to recover, some farmers are reportedly choosing to dump their produce in the fields instead of taking it to the market.
In several markets across the Telugu states, tomato prices are reportedly ranging between ₹5 and ₹10 per kg, depending on quality. Meanwhile, in retail markets, consumers are buying 5–7 kg of tomatoes for around ₹100.
The huge gap between the prices received by farmers and retail prices has triggered frustration among growers. With no remunerative price for their produce, tomato farmers are demanding immediate measures to protect them from mounting losses.
