Solan(Himachal Pradesh): Amid the hike in tomato prices across the country, the ongoing rain fury in Himachal Pradesh may further push the rates of this commonly consumed vegetable. Himachal Pradesh accounts for the major portion of the supply of tomatoes across the country. This year has given hope to farmers for good business, however, due to heavy rains for the last three days, the yield has also been affected and damaged.
The farmers are facing problems and are unable to transport the same to the market. Due to the stoppage of vehicular movement on Kalka Shimla NH 5, the vegetable market agents of Punjab, Rajasthan, Bengaluru, and Haryana are unable to reach Solan. At the same time, even in Himachal Pradesh, farmers are facing difficulties to deliver tomatoes to mandis even though they are getting good prices due to the tight supply.
Jagdish, a vegetable trader of Solan said, "As compared to the last several years, this year the farmers have got better tomatoes. Due to the continuous rains for the last 3 days, however, the crops have been damaged. The possibility of a price hike in the coming days has increased." "The farmers can get up to ₹ 4000 per crate because the demand is high in the market and due to fewer crops the farmers are getting good prices," Jagdish said.