Retail tomato prices have dropped by 22.4 per cent month-on-month, considering the improved supplies across the country, stated by the Consumer Affairs Ministry on Sunday. The all-India average retail price of tomatoes stood at Rs 52.35 per kg on November 14, down from Rs 67.50 per kg on October 14. Meanwhile, modal wholesale prices in Delhi’s Azadpur mandi saw a sharper drop of nearly 50 per cent, falling from Rs 5,883 per quintal to Rs 2,969 per quintal, driven by increased arrivals.
The ministry stated that Similar price corrections were reported from key markets like Pimpalgaon (Maharashtra), Madanapalle (Andhra Pradesh), and Kolar (Karnataka)
It further said, “Though arrivals have subsided at major tomato centres in Madanapalle and Kolar, prices have eased due to seasonal supplies from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat filling supply gaps nationwide,”
The ministry attributed the price drop to favorable weather conditions, which supported crop growth and the smooth movement of goods. The country’s tomato production is expected to rise by 4 per cent, reaching 213.20 lakh tonnes in 2023-24. The price surge in October was linked to excessive rains in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, but regular market availability is now maintained due to the crop’s short cultivation cycle and multiple harvests.
(With PTI Inputs)