Tomato farmers across Andhra Pradesh are facing a severe financial setback following a sharp decline in prices, driven by reduced demand from northern states. What was once a profitable crop has now turned into a major concern for cultivators, as market prices have dropped to unviable levels, leaving many unable to recover even basic production costs.
Major tomato-growing regions such as Chittoor, Madanapalle, Anantapur, and Kurnool are witnessing distress sales as wholesale prices have fallen drastically due to an oversupply and weakened interstate demand. Traders report that the arrival of tomatoes from other producing regions like Maharashtra and Karnataka has further intensified competition, pushing rates even lower.
Farmers say that while they were expecting good returns during the peak harvest season, the market downturn has come as a shock. “We spent thousands on fertilizers, seeds, and transport, but the prices are now too low to cover our investment,” said a grower from Chittoor district.
The decline in demand from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, where local production has increased, has been a major factor behind the price slump. As a result, large quantities of tomatoes from Andhra Pradesh are lying unsold or being sold at throwaway prices.
Agriculture experts warn that if the situation continues, farmers may be forced to cut back on tomato cultivation in the next season. They have urged authorities to explore alternative market linkages, cold storage support, and processing options to stabilize prices.
Tomatoes are a crucial cash crop for many small and medium farmers in Andhra Pradesh, providing a steady source of income. However, with prices crashing below ₹5 per kilogram in some markets, growers are now facing severe economic distress.
Unless market intervention or price stabilization measures are introduced soon, the state’s tomato farmers could face significant financial losses underscoring the urgent need for better market management and support systems in India’s horticulture sector.
By
