Tomatoes have been and are still a staple in many Indian households. Used for gravies, sauces and chutneys, they are a diverse vegetable and/or fruit. But wait, that’s still up for debate, isn’t it? With the soaring tomato prices in Mumbai, this staple has now become a luxury item. So, it is no surprise that this woman from Thane was given the most “luxurious” gift for her birthday.
Thane Woman Gets 4kgs Of Tomatoes As Birthday Gift
In the midst of tomato price madness happening across the country, something utterly delightful unfolded in Maharashtra’s Thane district. Sonal Borse of Kochadi in Kalyan celebrated her birthday on Sunday when her relatives concocted a brilliant plan.
They showered her with over 4 kg of tomatoes! Yes, you read that right, tomatoes! Now, you may be scratching your head and thinking, “Wait, aren’t tomatoes ridiculously expensive these days?” You’re absolutely correct!
This gift holds special significance due to the exorbitant price hike of tomatoes, which have become unaffordable for the common man. Previously priced at ₹20 per kg, tomatoes now cost a staggering ₹140 per kg, causing financial strain for many households.
This act of gifting tomatoes highlights the impact of rising prices on everyday essentials with touches of humour.
Also Read: Cannot Afford Tomatoes? These 6 Best Tomato-Alternatives Will Make Your Cooking Easy
Rising Tomato Prices Have Mumbaikars Scratching Their Head
Farmers have blamed the unseasonal rains and the consequences of the Biparjoy storm aftermath for the rising tomato prices. July is usually a pricey time for tomatoes, falling between harvests, but consumers declare these prices unprecedented.
The scarcity has even hit McDonald’s outlets across North, east, and South India. They announced the absence of tomatoes in burgers and other dishes due to their unavailability. It’s a tomato crisis like no other.
You might want to hold onto your wallets, folks! Traders are raising the alarm, predicting that tomato prices might skyrocket to a record-breaking ₹200 per kilo in the coming days.
The ongoing climate crisis caused by human activities is contributing to a rise in extreme rainfall events, making them both more frequent and intense. As per reports by The Guardian. Additionally, heat waves are becoming increasingly common. These changes in weather patterns have had a severe impact on small-scale tomato farmers.
Many of them have reported this season as one of the most devastating in terms of reduced production and diminished profits. The challenges faced by these farmers highlight the vulnerability of agriculture to the consequences of climate change.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva