Demand & supply mismatch weighs on tomato trade

Hyderabad: The demand and supply mismatch between available tomato produce and the actual quantity has resulted in massive fluctuations in tomato price in the state. While Telangana needs nearly 8 lakh tonnes of tomato per annum, the local output is only 3 lakh tonnes and the rest is sourced from outside. Also, the per capita daily consumption of vegetables is 100 gms out which about 25-30 grams would be tomato.Be it rain or summer, about 25,000 acres should be under tomato cultivation but in reality it is only 2,000 acres. The cultivation has been hit over the past three years for multiple reasons, say experts. “There has been huge expansion in irrigation facilities in the state post formation. But this combined with rainfall has often led to more water retention. Also, it requires more labour which increases the cost of cultivation. We have advantages, but there are many problems too,” said senior government official.Farmers also rued that despite all the hardships they do not get a fair price for their crop. “There is too much of fluctuation in the market. We should get at least Rs 500 per 25 kg of produce. But there is no guarantee,” said N Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, a farmer. The cost of cultivation of tomato per acre is Rs 30,000 and the yield is ready by about eight weeks. The price is based on the grade — big ones are classified as A grade variety which fetches a good price. “But it is not in our hands what type of produce is finally harvested. If we get B grade variety, our income goes down as it will fetch a lower price,” said Tatlavat Nayak, another farmer.