HYDERABAD: In a disappointing downturn, tomato prices in Kurnool district have fallen to ₹4 per kilogram, particularly in the Aspari and Pathikonda markets. This sharp decline is attributed to an oversupply resulting from increased production this season. Farmers are expressing concern as the current market rates fail to cover even basic transportation costs. In response to the plummeting prices, market authorities have temporarily closed operations to prevent further losses. Despite the wholesale price drop, retail markets continue to sell tomatoes at approximately ₹20 per kilogram, highlighting a disparity between wholesale and retail pricing.
This situation underscores the volatility in agricultural markets, where farmers often bear the brunt of price fluctuations due to factors like overproduction and market demand imbalances. The current scenario in Kurnool reflects the challenges faced by tomato growers in managing production and securing fair prices for their produce.
