Shimla: Plummeting Tomato Prices Leave Farmers Distressed, Failing to Recover Even Input Costs
Farmers filling tomatoes for vegetable markets
Shimla, June 22:
Farmers in the Junga region and nearby villages bordering Sirmaur are reeling under severe distress as tomato prices continue to fall sharply. Despite their produce reaching major markets like the Solan vegetable mandi—one of the largest in the state—as well as those in Panipat, Chandigarh, and Delhi, farmers are struggling to make ends meet.
On Saturday, tomatoes were sold in the Solan mandi for just ₹350 to ₹500 per crate, with each crate containing approximately 22 to 25 kilograms of tomatoes. In the early season, the same produce was fetching anywhere between ₹1,000 and ₹1,400 per crate. With current rates barely covering costs, many farmers are unable to recoup expenses on seeds, pesticides, and transportation—let alone earn a profit.
Prices of other vegetables are also disappointing. French beans are selling at ₹26–28 per kg, and capsicum (Shimla mirch) at just ₹15–20 per kg—figures that further compound farmers’ losses. Progressive farmer Pritam Thakur pointed out that the local economy heavily depends on the cultivation of tomatoes, capsicum, French beans, and garlic. If prices don’t improve soon, many farmers may struggle to sustain their livelihoods for the rest of the year.
Commission agent Vinod Sharma noted that the situation may worsen as the inflow of tomatoes into mandis continues to rise, potentially pushing prices even lower. However, he expressed cautious optimism that prices might stabilize once the tomato season in the plains concludes.
Transporter Pradeep Bragta echoed similar concerns, stating that prices in key markets like Panipat, Chandigarh, and Delhi are generally subdued for tomatoes and other vegetables right now. As a result, farmers from regions like Junga—where tomato farming is a major source of income, much like in Solan—are not receiving the returns they had hoped for.
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