Solan (Himachal Pradesh) : As soon as the month of July started in Himachal Pradesh, the apple season has also started. But Tomato season started just a bit early, that is in the month of June. Normally, apples are sold at higher prices that tomatoes. But now in the market, tomatoes are more expensive than apples. Tomatoes are being sold at ₹90 to ₹95 per kg, while apples are being sold at ₹70 to ₹80 per kg.
Apple is considered the main contributor to Himachal's economy, but this time it can be said that tomato is also playing an important role in promoting Himachal's economy. Tomato farmers are getting better prices as production came down significantly this season due to incessant rains. In the beginning of the season, tomato was sold at ₹ 800 to ₹ 900 per crate, but today it is being sold at ₹ 1800 to ₹ 2,300 per crate in the vegetable market. Last year, tomatoes sold in the range of ₹ 500 to ₹ 1700 per crate.
A shortage of tomatoes is reported in the country's major mandis of Bengaluru, Rajasthan and Haryana. In such a situation, Himachal's hill tomatoes are meeting the demand of these big mandis. Due to increase in supply here, farmers are also getting better prices for it. However, due to high demand, there has been an increase in the prices of tomatoes.