Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Tomato prices have fallen sharply in Indore’s wholesale market amid bumper production and a steady increase in arrivals from major producing regions across the country.
Wholesale prices, which were around Rs 10 per kg, have fallen to nearly Rs 3-5 per kg, putting pressure on farmers.
Large quantities of tomatoes are reaching mandis from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
More than 30 vehicles carrying tomatoes are reportedly arriving daily at Indore’s main agricultural market. Adequate supplies are also reaching wholesale markets in Niranjanpur, Betma and Mhow.
Traders said the rise in arrivals, coupled with limited demand, has pushed wholesale rates down sharply. In several producing regions, tomatoes are being sold at around Rs 3-10 per kg.
At these prices, farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to recover harvesting and transportation costs.
Market conditions could change in the coming days, however, as arrivals from local production centres in Madhya Pradesh and major producing areas such as Shivpuri are expected to increase further.
Higher supplies from these regions could keep pressure on wholesale prices.
The sharp fall has highlighted the volatility in vegetable prices, with farmers facing losses despite a strong crop, while consumers may benefit from cheaper tomatoes in retail markets.
