Tomato Prices Drop 22% in a Month: Govt Cites Better Supply

The price of Tomato falls over 22 per cent in a month due to better supply; Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India

The retail prices of tomatoes are declining with the fall in mandi prices. The all-India average retail price as of 14th November 2024 was Rs.52.35 per kg which is 22.4% lower than Rs.67.50 per kg on 14th October 2024.

During the same period, the modal prices at Azadpur mandi declined by almost 50%, from Rs.5,883 per quintal to Rs.2,969 per quintal with the increase in tomato arrivals. Similar declines in mandi prices are reported from benchmark markets such as Pimpalgaon, Madanapalle and Kolar.

Tomato Prices Drop 22% in a Month: Govt Cites Better Supply

The total annual production of tomatoes, as per the third advance estimate of the Department of Agriculture is 213.20 lakh tonnes in 2023-24; a 4% increase over 204.25 lakh tonnes in 2022-23.

Even though tomato is produced throughout the year, there is seasonality in the producing areas and the quantum of production. Adverse weather conditions and slight logistics disruptions significantly impact prices due to the high susceptibility of tomato crops and the high perishability of the fruit.

The surge in tomato prices during October 2024 was on account of excessive and prolonged rains in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

The general seasonality in tomato production across various regions of India showed that October and November are the main sowing periods in major producing states. Continuous availability of tomatoes in the market, however, is ensured because of the short duration for cultivation of the crop and multiple picking of the fruits.

The Arrivals have Subsided at Major Tomato Centres

Even though the arrivals have subsided at major tomato centres in Madanappale and Kolar, prices have come down on account of seasonal arrivals from pockets in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat that have been filling the gaps in supply across the nation.

As of late, the weather has also been favourable for the crop and also for maintaining a good flow across the supply chain from the fields to the consumers.