With prices of tomato touching Rs 100 per kg, traders have asked the management of Devi Ahilya Bai Fruit and Vegetable Market here to hire security guards.

"A big consignment of tomatoes was stolen in Mumbai recently. We fear it may happen here too," said Subhash Narang, a wholesaler.

"We have asked the market management to deploy security guards to protect tomatoes," he added.

Market inspector Ramesh Savadia however said that security guards have already been deployed, and the traders need not have any fear.

Tomatoes are being sold at Rs 50 to 60 per kg in the wholesale market here, and are retailing at around Rs 100 per kg, local vendors said.

Supply crunch due to damage caused to the crop by heavy rains in several parts of the country has led to a sharp rise in prices, they said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)