Chandigarh, June 13 -- A sharp spike in tomato prices has hit city residents as extreme weather conditions and labour shortages have crippled local production. Just under two weeks, tomato prices in Chandigarh's apni mandis have more than doubled-from Rs.20 per kg on June 1 to now Rs.50 per kg.

Tomatoes are pinching the pockets of residents as retail outlets are selling them at Rs.60 per kg, with high-quality produce nearing Rs.80 per kg.

"Tomatoes are usually sourced from Punjab. Due to strong winds and an extreme heatwave, the production of tomatoes got affected. Being a perishable crop, the quality has dropped, and supply has taken a major hit. The good quality ones are being sold for nearly Rs.60 per kg in mandis," said Komal Sharma...