Tomato, onion, potato prices rise sharply; farmers report minimal returns

The retail prices of tomatoes, onions, and potatoes have risen significantly across India over the past week, according to data from the Department of Consumer Affairs' Price Monitoring Division. In Delhi, the price of tomatoes nearly doubled from ₹30 per kg on May 17, 2026, to ₹53 per kg by June 17, while onion prices increased by about ₹5 to ₹32 per kg. Potato prices also saw a rise of ₹3 to ₹5 per kg in the same period. Prices of other staples, including rice, pulses, and edible oils, have also climbed in major centres.

The Union government has stated that balancing fair prices for both farmers and consumers is a top priority. An official source attributed the current spike to seasonal factors and said the Centre is taking steps to curb inflation and ensure adequate supplies. However, farmers' organisations contend that producers are receiving very low prices despite the retail surge. Ashok Dhawale, a leader of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha and president of the All India Kisan Sabha, described the situation as a paradox where middlemen and large traders benefit while farmers struggle. He said farmers in Maharashtra are destroying their produce because they cannot afford transportation costs after fuel price hikes, and potato farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are getting as little as ₹2 to ₹3 per kg. He urged the government to help both growers and consumers.

The price increases have been widespread, affecting most states and union territories except a few like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The government has not yet released a detailed explanation for the rise, but the data indicates a sharp week-on-week jump in many regions.