Tomato Prices in Pune Reach Rs 80/kg: Here’s Why Rates Are Rising

Pune, 3rd August 2025: Tomato prices in Pune and Nashik have surged sharply due to monsoon-induced supply disruptions and damage to crops, with retail prices touching ₹60 to ₹70 per kilogram in Pune’s markets and going up to ₹80 per kg on quick-commerce platforms.

Vendors and wholesale traders say the heavy rainfall over the past few weeks has led to lower arrivals and compromised quality, causing a significant price hike across wholesale and retail markets.

Supply Dip Pushes Up Rates

At Narayangaon, one of Maharashtra’s major tomato-growing regions, prices have increased significantly. Sharad Gongade, secretary of the Narayangaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), noted,

“The steady rainfall has affected both the quantity and quality of tomatoes arriving at the market. Wholesale rates have reached around ₹40 per kg, and crate prices are now in the range of ₹700 to ₹800 for 20 kg. We anticipate some relief by mid-August as new produce begins to arrive.”

According to data from Pimpalgaon and Nashik APMCs, the average wholesale rate rose to ₹911 per crate (₹45.55 per kg) on Friday — a 153% increase from ₹18 per kg on July 18. The spike in wholesale prices has also translated into higher retail rates, with Nashik’s markets now selling tomatoes for ₹70 per kg, compared to ₹25 per kg two weeks ago.

Tomato Arrivals Drop by 40%

Rajendra Khare, a Nashik APMC official, confirmed a sharp decline in supply:

“Rain has damaged a large portion of tomato crops, which has reduced market arrivals by around 40%. Daily arrivals have dropped from 10,500 crates to about 7,000.”

Traders say smaller-sized tomatoes are currently fetching ₹30 to ₹35 per kg in wholesale markets, while premium-grade produce in Pune’s Mandai and other key markets like Vadgaonsheri is retailing between ₹50 and ₹70 per kg.

A vendor at the Vadgaonsheri market commented,

“Good quality tomatoes are selling for ₹60 per kg, while slightly damaged ones are priced lower.”

Price Relief Expected by Mid-August

Retailers and APMC officials expect prices to remain high until new crops arrive, which could stabilize the market by mid to late August, depending on weather conditions.

For now, consumers in Pune and Nashik continue to feel the pinch as tomatoes — a kitchen staple — turn into a costly commodity amid monsoon uncertainties.