The Consumer Affairs Ministry said on Sunday that retail tomato prices fell 22.4% month-on-month as supply improved across the country.
The average retail price of tomatoes across India was Rs 52.35 per kg as on November 14, down from Rs 67.50 per kg on October 14, according to an official statement.
During the same period, modal wholesale prices at Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi plummeted by nearly 50 per cent from Rs 5,883 to Rs 2,969 per quintal due to increased passenger arrivals.
Similar price corrections were reported in major markets such as Pimpalgaon (Maharashtra), Madanapalle (Andhra Pradesh) and Kolar (Karnataka), the ministry said.
“Although arrivals to major tomato centers in Madanapalle and Kolar are subdued, prices have come down as seasonal supplies from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat are filling the nationwide supply gap. “There are,” the paper added.
Favorable weather conditions supported both crop growth and smooth movement of the supply chain from field to consumer, the statement said.
The country’s tomato production is expected to increase by 4% to 213.2 million tonnes from 2023 to 2024.
Tomatoes are grown all year round, but production varies by region and season. The ministry said due to the sensitive and perishable nature of the crop, bad weather and logistics disruptions have a significant impact on prices.
The price hike in October 2024 is believed to be due to excessive and prolonged rains in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
October and November are the main sowing seasons in major producing states. The ministry added that the crop’s short cultivation period and multiple harvests ensure regular availability in the market.
