5 Reasons Why Tomato Prices Have Skyrocketed Across Pakistan

Tomato prices have surged to unprecedented levels in Pakistan, reaching between Rs. 400 and Rs. 500 per kilogram in Karachi, Lahore, and other major cities. The sharp rise has made it difficult for households to afford everyday meals. The crisis stems from a severe crop disease in the Talash Valley of Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a key tomato-growing region. The Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus, spread by whiteflies, has destroyed over 350 acres of crops, slashing supply to less than half of normal levels. Heavy rains and flooding in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and parts of Sindh have further damaged crops, while unfavorable weather delayed ripening. The situation worsened after border tensions with Afghanistan disrupted tomato imports, leaving dozens of supply trucks stranded. Market sources say Lahore’s Badami Bagh Market now receives only 15 to 20 tomato trucks daily instead of 30, creating a major demand-supply gap. Meanwhile, Sindh’s new crop from Thatta, Badin, and Mirpurkhas has been delayed due to waterlogging, though farmers expect it to reach markets within two weeks. Experts predict prices will gradually decline once Sindh’s harvest arrives and the border reopens. Until then, consumers must brace for continued price hikes. Source: Aaj News