The fury of Cyclone Ditwah is set to hit the pockets of consumers across Andhra Pradesh, with a severe spike in vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes, expected in the coming days. The state's crucial tomato-producing belt, Rayalaseema, has been lashed by continuous rainfall, bringing harvests to a standstill and drastically reducing market supply.
Harvests Halted, Crops Rotting in Fields
The relentless downpour since Monday has paralyzed agricultural activity in the key tomato-growing joint district of Chittoor, which includes Tirupati, Chittoor, and Madanapalle. Farmers are unable to access their waterlogged fields, leading to significant crop damage. Ramu, a farmer from Chittoor, painted a grim picture, stating, "We cannot enter the fields for at least three to four more days. Tomatoes that are ready for picking are completely drenched and starting to rot. If the rain does not stop, we could lose half of our crop." Officials share these concerns, fearing extensive damage from the prolonged wet conditions, which will tighten supply further.
Imminent Price Surge and Quality Decline
Market analysts are predicting a sharp and steep climb in tomato prices as arrivals to wholesale markets shrink to a trickle. Senior agriculture marketing analyst M. Srinivasu warned that tomato prices touching ₹100 per kilogram is very likely if weather conditions do not improve. The current price range of ₹50 to ₹62 per kg is poised for a major jump. Srinivasu also noted that the quality of available produce has already deteriorated, with many tomatoes showing moisture damage and unsightly brown spots.
This prediction is already becoming a reality in local markets. In Rythu Bazaars, where tomatoes were recently sold for ₹25 to ₹30 per kg, prices have now shot up to over ₹45. Wholesale markets are reporting drastically reduced inflows, with traders often having only damaged produce to offer. The double whammy of rising costs and falling quality has left consumers in cities across the state frustrated and concerned about their kitchen budgets.
Broader Impact and Outlook
The disruption caused by Cyclone Ditwah underscores the vulnerability of agricultural supply chains to extreme weather events. The Rayalaseema region, one of Andhra Pradesh's largest tomato-producing zones, plays a critical role in stabilizing prices across the state and beyond. The halt in harvesting and the subsequent supply crunch are expected to have a ripple effect, potentially affecting prices of other vegetables as well. All eyes are now on the skies, as the duration of the rains will ultimately determine the extent of crop loss and the severity of the price hike that awaits consumers in the days ahead.
