Tomato prices soar 50% in 15 days due to excess October rains

Tomato prices have increased by nearly 50% during the last 10-15 days as supplies have reduced due to the impact of excess rainfall in October. According to the government data, the retail prices have shot up by 25% to 100% within a month in different states of the country, while the wholesale prices of tomatoes have increased by 45% in November over the previous month in Maharashtra, the key supply state and by 26% in Delhi, a major vegetable distribution hub for north India.

The data about retail prices from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs shows that all India average retail prices have increased by 27% as on November 19 when compared to prices a month ago on October 19 from ₹36/kg to ₹46/kg. The highest increase of 112% has been seen in Chandigarh, while states like Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka have shown an increase of more than 40% in a month.

The retail rates of good quality tomatoes have touched ₹80/kg at many places. Good demand due to the ongoing marriage season and upcoming new year celebrations are expected to keep the tomato prices elevated, said traders. The crash in the prices of onions, tomatoes and potatoes had a key role in bringing retail inflation to 0.25% in October, its lowest level since 2013.

The inflation in tomatoes was recorded at -42.9%, while it was – 54.3% in onions and -36.6% in potatoes. “The number of trucks arriving from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat arriving at the Azadpur market have more than halved during the last one week. The excessive rainfall has inflicted heavy damage on crops in many states,” said Ashok Koshik, chairman, Azadpur Tomato Traders Association.