Tomato prices fall by more than 22 percent in a month due to good supply

Tomato Price: The retail price of tomatoes is decreasing due to falling prices in the market. All India average retail prices as on November 14, 2024 were Rs 52.35 per kg, down 22.4% from Rs 67.50 per kg as on October 14, 2024. During the same period, the modal price in Azadpur mandi fell by almost 50% from Rs 5,883 per quintal to Rs 2,969 per quintal with increase in tomato revenue. A similar decline has been recorded in the mandi prices of benchmark markets like Pimpalgaon, Madanapalle and Kolar.

According to the third advance estimate of the Agriculture Department, the total annual production of tomato in 2023-24 is 213.20 lakh tonnes; Which is 4% more than 204.25 lakh tonnes in 2022-23. Although tomatoes are produced year-round, there is seasonal variation in growing areas and production quantities. Adverse weather conditions and some supply disruptions have a significant impact on prices due to the high sensitivity of the tomato crop and the ability of the fruit to spoil quickly. The increase in tomato prices during October, 2024 was due to excessive and prolonged rainfall in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

The general seasonality of tomato production in different regions of India shows that October and November are the main sowing times in the major producing states. However, short period for crop cultivation and multiple selection of fruits ensures continuous availability of tomatoes in the market.

Although yields have declined at major tomato hubs of Madanappal and Kolar, prices have eased due to seasonal arrivals from states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, which have filled the supply gap across the country. The weather so far has also been favorable for the crop and there is good flow in the supply chain from farms to consumers.