Hyderabad: Tomato prices crashed sharply across the two Telugu states, pushing farmers into deep distress as returns failed to cover even harvesting and transport costs.
Until a month ago, tomato prices remained encouraging. However, prices slipped to single digits within weeks, leaving growers uncertain about recovering investments. Farmers said they spent an entire season cultivating the crop, but now face losses.
In the undivided Kurnool district, prices touched rock-bottom levels at markets in Pattikonda and Pyapili. Traders paid only ₹4 to ₹5 per kilogram. Last month, the same produce fetched ₹30 to ₹40 per kilogram.
As prices collapsed, some farmers avoided markets altogether and left the crop in fields. Others dumped tomatoes on roads to protest the situation.
Madanapalle market also sees a sharp fall
The price slump extended to Madanapalle, Asia’s largest tomato market. Depending on quality, tomatoes sold between ₹8 and ₹13 per kilogram.
Market experts attributed the fall to reduced orders from neighbouring states and a sudden surge in local arrivals. Meanwhile, several Rythu Bazaars in Telangana recorded retail prices around ₹10 per kilogram.
Farmers alleged that traders purchased tomatoes at ₹5 per kilogram at the farm gate. However, they sold the same produce to consumers at ₹10 to ₹20 in open markets. As a result, farmers earned nothing while middlemen made profits, they said.
Farmers seek government intervention
Tomato growers across the Telugu states said they invested lakhs of rupees in cultivation. Now, they said returns failed to cross even a few hundred rupees.
Farmers urged the government to intervene immediately. They demanded direct procurement through Rythu Bazaars and minimum support to prevent further losses. They also called for assured remunerative prices to stabilise the market.