Arrival Improvements Lead to Over 50% Decrease in Tomato Prices Nationwide

Tomato prices have experienced a significant decline in retail markets throughout the nation, with the vegetable now trading at less than Rs 50 per kg. This drop in prices can be attributed to increased supplies, causing wholesale prices to plummet. This current trend is anticipated to persist over the upcoming months.

In Pune, tomatoes are currently priced at Rs 32-40 per kg, a significant decrease from the initial Rs 72-100 per kg at the beginning of the month. This reduction in prices has been observed since mid-August. Similarly, in Delhi, the consumer cost of tomatoes has fallen from Rs 177 per kg. Now it is at Rs 43 per kg. This trend is consistent nationwide, as prices have undergone a reduction of over 50 percent.

The reason for this sharp correction is the better arrival and availability of tomatoes in the markets. Tomato prices caused concern last month and a major part of August as lower-than-normal arrivals had pushed them up.

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Increased Tomato Supplies from Accelerated Kharif Cultivation

Nevertheless, in numerous regions of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, farmers have taken the initiative to accelerate their kharif cultivation, resulting in an improved supply of this essential kitchen ingredient. Notably, Pune, Nashik, and Ahmednagar have all experienced a surge in incoming tomato quantities. The market in Narayangaon, located within Pune district, has consistently witnessed an average arrival of 11,000-12,000 crates (each containing 20 kg). Similarly, the Pimpalgoan Baswant market in Niphad taluka of Nashik has reported a daily influx of approximately 60,000-65,000 crates. Wholesale prices within these markets currently range from Rs 20-25 per kg.

Abhijit Gholap, a tomato grower from Junnar taluka of Pune, said the prices had stabilised mostly. The better arrival was due to farmers opting for tomatoes in June-July, when water availability was better. Farmers in otherwise non-tomato areas had also gone for the crop. It is all thanks to the better prices the kitchen staple had fetched.

But Gholap said that growers in Nashik had reported early infestation of the crop with the tomato mosaic virus, which can cause problems in the days to come. “Ground reports have said the virus has affected most of the fields in and around Niphad taluka,” he said.

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