New Dehli: (Tamsil Shahezad Khan) The tomato-loving nation of India is currently grappling with an unprecedented tomato crisis, as prices of this essential cooking ingredient skyrocket by a staggering 400%. The surge in prices can be attributed to a severe shortage caused by erratic weather patterns that have wreaked havoc on tomato crops across the country, including unusually heavy rainfall and the outbreak of a destructive fungal disease.
Consumers who were accustomed to purchasing a kilo of tomatoes for 40 rupees (40p) are now faced with prices exceeding 160 rupees, rendering them largely unaffordable for the average low-income household. Traders warn that prices may even reach record highs of 200 rupees per kilo in the coming days as the recent monsoon rains have further spoiled the remaining stock.
While it is not uncommon for tomato prices to rise during July, which falls between harvest seasons, the current surge has left consumers astounded. The scarcity of tomatoes has even impacted the fast-food giant McDonald's, leading to signs in their Indian branches stating the temporary removal of tomatoes from their burgers and dishes due to limited availability. A spokesperson for a McDonald's operator confirmed that the situation arose from "seasonal crop issues" in certain regions.
The underlying cause of such extreme weather fluctuations can be attributed to the ongoing climate emergency, which has made intense rainfall and heatwaves increasingly frequent. For small-scale tomato farmers, this season has been particularly devastating in terms of production and profits. Farmers like Arvind Malik, from Kheri Dabdalan village in the Kurukshetra district, have witnessed their crops succumbing to diseases resulting from unpredictable temperature fluctuations.
Malik recalled how the leaves of tomato plants started drying up in February, leading to significant losses. Despite using expensive fungicides, only half of their usual harvest could be salvaged this year, leaving him burdened with debt. The current shortage and exorbitant prices have further compounded the challenges faced by farmers like Malik, who had to discard their produce on the streets just months ago when commercial tomato prices plummeted to a meager 1.5 rupees per kilo—barely covering their costs.
The repercussions of this tomato crisis extend beyond tomatoes alone, as other staple crops like onions, ginger, and chillis have also been affected, leading to a general rise in prices for consumers. Traders predict that it may take up to three months for supplies and prices to stabilize, potentially exacerbating public dissatisfaction already fueled by inflation and resentment toward the government.
Amidst this dire situation, farmers like Malik find themselves unable to afford even a single kilogram of tomatoes, witnessing the irony of their own produce selling for exorbitant prices in the market. As India grapples with the aftermath of this tomato crisis, consumers and farmers alike hope for a swift resolution and relief from the soaring prices that have hit their kitchens and livelihoods.
