Bengaluru: Tomato prices in the state have skyrocketed, with the cost per kilogram, which was ₹20 just 15 days ago, now crossing the ₹60 mark. There is a huge demand for Kolar tomatoes across the country, raising profit expectations for the growers.

What are the Reasons for the Tomato Price Hike?

The primary reasons for the continuous increase in tomato prices over the last 10 days are as follows:

* Low Yield in Maharashtra: Due to a significant reduction in tomato yield in Maharashtra, the demand for Kolar tomatoes has increased across the country.

* Adverse Weather Conditions: Crops have been damaged due to unseasonal rains that occurred in September and October. This has also reduced the supply of tomatoes to the market.

Price Situation in Kolar

In Kolar, which hosts one of Asia's largest tomato markets, the box prices have seen an increase as follows:

Price 15 Days Ago | Today's Price (Approx.)

15 Kg Box | ₹150 - ₹250 | ₹650 to ₹850

22 Kg Box | ₹400 - ₹550 | ₹1,000 to ₹1,250

In the Kolar market, a 15 kg box, which was priced at only ₹150 to ₹250 just 15 days ago, is now being sold for ₹650 to ₹850.

Retail Market Scenario

Following the price hike in the wholesale market, a kilogram of tomato is being sold in local retail markets for ₹60 to ₹80.