Drizzle Dilemma: Onions and Tomatoes Get Washed Out, Prices Surge

Key Developments

Pre-monsoon rains, which arrived weeks early, brought relief from the heat of summer but raised new concerns for farmers and consumers alike. The surprise rain has ruined main vegetable crops—particularly onions and tomatoes—in main-producing states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat.

Impact on Onion and Tomato Crops

Farmers in Maharashtra, India’s largest onion producer, report significant losses as heavy rainfall damaged both standing and harvested onion crops. Many onions stored in fields or warehouses have started rotting due to excess moisture, while waterlogged fields have left some crops unharvestable.

Tomato producers in areas such as Pune and Kolar are experiencing a dramatic decline in production. Summer variety tomatoes, sown in February, are most susceptible to excessive rainfall, leading to split skin and poor quality. Experts predict that the true scale of crop loss will be seen in the next few weeks.

Market Trends and Price Hikes

Retail prices of wholesale tomatoes in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat have increased by 10–25% in a week. Prices have reached ₹20–₹25 per kg in some markets from ₹5–₹10 previously.

Prices of onions have also skyrocketed, with retail prices increasing from ₹30 to ₹40 per kg in certain cities. Derailed transportation and rotting consignments are adding fuel to the fire.

Leafy greens such as coriander and spinach do not escape, with prices rising 12–16% because of lesser arrivals.

Broader Economic Implications

The shortage is likely to further drive up vegetable prices, which could in turn fuel food inflation. Analysts say comparable monsoon disruptions last year pushed up the Consumer Food Price Index.

Farmers are seeking compensation and intervention from the government as losses are piling up. Consumers are meanwhile anticipating increased kitchen bills in the coming weeks.

Sources: Economic Times, Financial Express, Indian Express, CropGPT, Outlook Business, Times of India, CNBC TV18, India TV News