Tomato Cultivation Shrinks in Tamil Nadu Amid El Niño Impact
Tomato Cultivation Shrinks in Tamil Nadu Amid El Niño Impact
IN · Published Sep 11, 2026
Tomato cultivation in Tamil Nadu's Dharmapuri district has significantly reduced due to water shortages caused by the El Niño phenomenon.
The area under tomato cultivation has dropped to 700 hectares, compared to the usual 1,300–1,500 hectares during August and September.

Impact & Risks

The reduced tomato cultivation has directly impacted farmers and consumers. Farmers without access to sufficient irrigation are unable to plant tomatoes, as most water sources, including lakes, dams, and wells, have dried up. Consumers are facing higher prices, with tomato rates doubling in recent weeks. The ongoing water scarcity and delayed rainfall could further exacerbate the situation, affecting both livelihoods and food supply in the region.

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