From the DeskAccording to Center, tomato prices fell by more than 22% in just one month. Because of better supply, tomato retail prices dropped more than 22% in a month to ₹52.35 per kg. The Department of Consumer Affairs said on Sunday that better supply caused tomato retail prices to fall by more than 22% in a month. Tomato prices drop 22% as a result of improved supply, while Delhi mandi prices drop by almost 50%. (HT Image) The average retail price of tomatoes in the country was ₹52.35 per kilogram as of November 14, compared to ₹67.50 per kilogram on October 14. Due to more arrivals, prices in Delhi’s Azadpur mandi dropped by almost 50%, from ₹5,883 to ₹2,969 per quintal.
Major markets like Pimpalgaon, Madanapalle, and Kolar reported comparable price declines. Tomato production is expected to reach 213.20 lakh tonnes in 2023–24, up 4% from 204.25 lakh tonnes in 2022–2023 according to the Department of Agriculture. Seasonal cycles cause production levels to fluctuate even though tomatoes are grown all year round. Prolonged rains in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka affected crop quality and logistics, which led to the recent price spike in October. While October and November are crucial planting months in the states that produce the most tomatoes, supplies have improved thanks to arrivals from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Now that the weather is favorable, the tomato supply chain is operating efficiently, guaranteeing steady prices nationwide.
Tomato prices still high compared to 2023 Despite the recent monthly drop, tomato prices remain high year-on-year, rising 161 per cent, according to a recent ICICI Bank report. While vegetable prices in November eased by 4.1 per cent month-on-month, essential vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and onions showed sharp year-on-year price hikes of 161 per cent, 65 per cent, and 52 per cent, respectively. The report said that vegetable prices, though recently easing, reached a 57-month high in October with a 42 per cent year-on-year increase.
