Tomato prices double in Hyderabad in a fortnight

Tomato prices in Hyderabad have more than doubled over the past fortnight, rising to Rs 50 a kg in roadside markets and around Rs 60 in supermarkets. A fortnight ago, tomatoes cost Rs 20 in roadside markets and Rs 35 in supermarkets. Farmers in Ranga Reddy and Vikarabad districts, which supply Hyderabad, blame prolonged heat, water shortages and crop damage for lower yields.

Balakrishna, a farmer from Amangal in Ranga Reddy district, said unusually high temperatures had damaged plants and reduced harvests. Monaiah, a farmer from Kadthal, said water scarcity and insufficient rain had compounded losses. A vegetable vendor said wholesale procurement costs had risen sharply, and customers were either buying smaller quantities or avoiding tomatoes. September temperatures in key growing areas touched 38 degrees Celsius, against a normal of about 30, stressing plants and damaging crops.