After onions, the prices of tomatoes are causing heartburn for consumers, with the commodity retailing at Rs 50-60 per kg across different markets in the country. Black Spot disease brought on by scanty rainfall in parts of Maharashtra has affected the crop, impacting arrivals at the main markets. Shriram Gadhave, president, All India Vegetable Growers Association, has warned that prices could rise to R70-80 per kg in retail markets. ?First there was no rain and then there was slight rain in the middle and this led to the Black Spot disease. As against 1,500 crates per hectare, the yield this year has touched some 300 crates. Farmers are facing huge losses and have reduced planting,? he said. Due to its specific climatic conditions, Narayangaon supplies more than 60% of tomatoes consumed in the country during the four months of the rainy season.
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