Hyderabad, July 25, 2024: In an unusual turn for the season, vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes, have surged despite the onset of the monsoon. Known for their versatility and widespread culinary use, tomatoes have reached an unprecedented price of Rs.100 per kilogram, prompting dismay among consumers across Hyderabad.Traditionally, the monsoon brings relief to household budgets as vegetable prices tend to decrease. However, this year has seen a stark departure from the norm, with tomato prices hitting the century mark, much to the frustration of local residents.Complaints have surfaced regarding irregularities in pricing at local farmers’ markets, where vendors are allegedly selling tomatoes well above the government-fixed rate. Despite a stipulated rate of Rs.51 per kilogram, some markets are charging as high as Rs.70, exacerbating the financial strain on ordinary buyers.The supply crunch appears to be exacerbating the situation. Normally, Hyderabad’s markets receive approximately 6,000 quintals of tomatoes daily. However, the current harvest of tholakari tomatoes has plummeted to between 2.5 to 3 thousand quintals, a severe reduction attributed to agricultural factors.”We’re facing a shortfall due to low yield,” explained Mr. Kumar, a local trader at the Gudimalkapur market. “Demand has soared, and until the new crop arrives in September, prices are likely to remain at these elevated levels.”Efforts to stabilize prices through government intervention are underway, yet the immediate relief for consumers seems distant. The rising tomato prices serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of agricultural markets to seasonal fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.