Staff reporter
Guwahati: Tomato prices in Guwahati have surged to alarming levels, straining household budgets and sparking concern among consumers. The popular kitchen staple is now retailing at Rs 70 to Rs 80 per kilogram in several city markets, a steep jump from the Rs 20–30 range just a month ago.
The sharp rise of nearly 40–50% is being blamed on a combination of factors, including unseasonal rains in Assam, delayed harvesting in key producing states such as West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, and escalating transportation costs.
“This is way too heavy on a middleman’s pocket. Last month, I bought tomatoes for Rs 30 a kilo; now it’s Rs 80,” said a distressed customer at Beltola Bazaar. “Tomatoes are used in almost every curry we make and this hike is just too much.”
The price shock isn’t limited to tomatoes alone. Brinjal has climbed to Rs 70 per kilogram (up from Rs 40), ladyfinger is now Rs 80 (from Rs 50), and onions are selling at Rs 50 per kilo.
Local vendors are also bearing the brunt. A vegetable seller in Ganeshguri said, “These tomatoes are coming from Nashik, and they already cost us Rs 80 per kilo. With transportation and storage charges going up, our profit margins have vanished. We’re helpless.”
Increased demand from neighbouring states has further tightened supply, leaving vendors struggling to maintain stocks and pushing prices higher.
The spike is not only impacting wallets but also food habits. A homemaker shared, “I used to buy tomatoes in bulk for the whole week, but now I’ve had to cut down. We’re avoiding recipes that need tomatoes.”
Experts have pointed out that the crisis underscores the fragility of agricultural supply chains in the face of climatic and logistical challenges.
“The current situation is a wake-up call,” said an agriculture analyst. “There’s a dire need for long-term solutions — such as boosting local production, enhancing cold storage infrastructure, and improving logistics. Without such steps, these recurring price shocks will continue to hit both consumers and small-scale vendors hard.”
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