The current prices of tomatoes have given the common man immense pain and fodder to meme makers. The prices are hovering between Rs 80 and Rs 160 with the highest surge seen in the country's southern states.
Chennai saw the staple retailing at Rs 160 per kilogram, while in Karnataka, the prices ranged between Rs 90 and Rs 120. The staple ingredient might have disappeared from Indian kitchens but its sky-high prices have triggered a storm on social media.
One user shared a screengrab from the movie ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobaara’ and, in the caption, wrote, “Why they couldn’t shoot ZNMD in India.”
Why they couldn't make ZNMD in India. #tomato pic.twitter.com/me4OwnY1nP
— Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantansunnyg) November 24, 2021
Another user shared a topical post targeting petrol that lost its thunder to the skyrocketing prices of tomato.
#TomatoPrice
— Upasana Rath (@upasana_07) November 25, 2021
Petrol right now : pic.twitter.com/m2vmuGbnlM
“Middle Class!” wrote another one.
Middle Class! #TomatoPrice pic.twitter.com/iCf0QzC3Qa
— phunnyRabia (@PhunnyRabia) November 25, 2021
One user shared how Rs 18 can get you only four tomatoes now, where earlier you could get a kilo for a tad bit more.
Today’s scenario! #Tomato is sold at 120 Per Kg in #Chennai. pic.twitter.com/XYVGUCXbR6
— Lokesh (@LokeshJey) November 22, 2021
Here’s another with the tomato ‘thalaiva’:
New boss of vegetables.. 🍅#Tomato pic.twitter.com/unmuMkGcvr
— Vanita Vivek Narayane (@VanitaNarayane) November 23, 2021
Seeing tomato prices touching the skies, people are also seen touting, 'Data is the new oil, Tomato is the new gold.'
Data is the new oil, Tomato is the new gold 😂 #Tomato pic.twitter.com/FaJSjzXbah
— Yaash Raju (@raju_yaash) November 23, 2021
According to CRISIL Research, tomato retailing has seen a steep rise of 142 percent and will continue to climb in the coming month. Due to the excess rain in the southern regions of the country, there is an acute shortage of tomatoes, with the scene not looking like getting any better for the next 40-50 days. Some officials are saying that demand expands during these months thanks to the wedding season and increase in the use of tomatoes.
(Edited by : Thomas Abraham)
First Published: IST