Panaji: Tomato prices in Goa have more than doubled over the past few weeks, rising from Rs 20 per kg to Rs 50 per kg amid intense summer heat and supply shortages.Even at the subsidised outlets run by the Goa State Horticulture Corporation Ltd (GSHCL), tomatoes are being sold at Rs 44 per kg.Retail vegetable prices have risen sharply across the state, with traders reporting hikes of Rs 7 to Rs 10 per kg in several vegetables.Beans, which were previously cheaper, have seen one of the steepest increases, with prices touching nearly Rs 200 per kg. Other kitchen essentials have also become costlier, including ginger at Rs 150 per kg, lime at Rs 10 per piece, and green coriander at Rs 35 per bunch.At GSHCL outlets, beans are being sold at Rs 200 per kg, ginger at Rs 140 per kg, lime at Rs 5 per piece, and green coriander at Rs 30 per bunch.GSHCL managing director Chandrahas Desai said prolonged heatwave-like conditions have affected agricultural production in neighbouring states, disrupting supply to Goa.“The fall in production due to extreme heat has led to the price rise,” he said.Vendors said higher transportation costs and reduced farm output are adding further pressure on prices.“Farmers are hesitant to sow new crops for the coming season. Our suppliers told us farmers fear that without adequate water availability, future harvests could fail completely,” vendor Ali Shaikh said.Vendors said prices are likely to ease only after pre-monsoon showers intensify.
