The retail prices of tomato are on the decline with the fall in mandi prices. The all-India average retail prices as on November 14, 2024, was Rs 52.35 per kg which is 22.4% lower than Rs 67.50 per kg on October 14, 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 decline in mandi prices is reported from benchmark markets such as Pimpalgaon, Madanapalle and Kolar.
The total annual production of tomato, as per third advance estimate of 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 condition and slight logistics disruptions have significant impact on prices due to high susceptibility of tomato crop and 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 main sowing period in major producing states. Continuous availability of tomato in the market, however, is ensured because of the short duration for cultivation of the crop and multiple picking of the fruits.
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 on date, the weather has also been favourable for the crop and also for maintaining a good flow across the supply chain form the fields to the consumers.
