Tomato Prices Crash Amid Surplus Arrival in Pune and Mumbai Markets
Mumbai/Pune, 22nd January 2025: A significant influx of tomatoes in wholesale markets across Maharashtra, including Pune and Mumbai, has led to a steep decline in their prices. Currently, tomatoes are being sold at Rs 4 to Rs 5 per kg in the wholesale market, while retail prices hover around Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kg.
In stark contrast, during August last year, retail tomato prices had soared to Rs 100 per kg due to reduced supply caused by heavy rains. Encouraged by high prices, farmers across districts such as Pune, Sangli, Satara, Kolhapur, Nashik, and Solapur cultivated tomatoes extensively. With the harvest now in full swing, the resulting oversupply has caused prices to plummet.
Large quantities of tomatoes are being sent to Pune and Mumbai markets from Khed, Manchar, Ambegaon, and Junnar areas of Pune district.
According to Vilas Bhujbal, Senior Commissioning Agent at Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard, Pune’s wholesale market is currently receiving 8,000 to 9,000 boxes of tomatoes daily, almost double the usual volume. “The massive influx has caused a sharp decline in prices,” Bhujbal said.
Farmers Hit Hard by Low Prices
The crash in tomato prices has left farmers in distress. Many are struggling to cover transportation and market fees, with some even resorting to discarding their produce.
Ajit Tambe, a tomato farmer from Varude in Pune’s Shirur taluka, explained the dire situation: “Harvesting and transporting tomatoes has become unaffordable. Each crate, holding 22 kg, sells for just Rs 70 to Rs 80 in the wholesale market. At these rates, we have no choice but to throw tomatoes away.”
Reduced Demand from Other States
Adding to the farmers’ woes is a decline in demand for tomatoes from neighboring states. Farmers had anticipated better returns due to last year’s high prices, but the current market situation has left them frustrated.
