MUMBAI: In an odd occurrence, the price of tomato has skyrocketed to Rs 48-60 per kg in the peak of winter when rates are at their lowest. This essential item is commonly available for Rs 15-18 per kg, and in winter, rates are known to drop to Rs 10-15.Prices have been rising steadily since two weeks when vendors were charging Rs 20. On Friday, tomato sold for Rs 48 per kg at Super Fresh store in Lokhandwala Andheri, and at Patil Veg Suppliers in Charni Road. Prices were marginally higher at Rs 50 in Kalubhai's store in Eksar Road, Borivli, and in Ramesh Gupta's Churchway store in I C Colony. Typically Bandra's Pali Market was among the costliest in the city with vendor Rupesh Singh charging Rs 60 per kg.Friday's wholesale rate in APMC Vashi varied from Rs 15-18 for second grade and Rs 26-28 for good quality produce.Traders say poor rainfall in 2018 caused crop shortage. "The past season saw little rain, and tomato is a water intensive crop. Arrivals have fallen in the last few weeks. Moreover, farmers are demanding higher rates to recover losses incurred over the past six months," said Sachin Shitole, a wholesaler from APMC Vashi.Vashi retailer Arjun Gupta said wholesale prices fell to Rs 2-5 per kg last year, forcing growers to dump their produce in the streets. However, it is not clear if the current profits are being passed on to farmers.Households, meanwhile, are burdened by this extra expense in a week when other costs including transportation, owing to the BEST strike, have spiralled."Rates of all vegetables ordinarily drop in winter due to abundant availability. So Rs 48-50 for tomato is surprising, more so since the quality is excellent. There is no sign of spoilage or shortage. The markets are filled with ripe red tomatoes. It seems like an artificial price rise is being created. Between the farmer and consumer it is the trader that appears to benefit most," said Andheri resident Anjali Kotecha.Wholesalers claim prices will remain high through the next 15-20 days. Mumbai receives tomato supplies from Nashik , Bengaluru and Madhya Pradesh

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