Excess supply leads to steep decline in tomato prices in Maharashtra

Tomato prices in Maharashtra, including cities like Pune and Mumbai, have dropped significantly due to a sharp increase in supply. Wholesale prices now range from $0.05 to $0.06 per kilogram, while retail prices are between $0.18 and $0.24 per kilogram. This is a stark contrast to last August, when heavy rains caused a supply shortage, pushing retail prices to $1.20 per kilogram.

The high prices last year prompted farmers in districts such as Pune, Nashik, Solapur, and Kolhapur to increase tomato cultivation, leading to the current oversupply. Areas like Khed, Manchar, and Junnar in the Pune district are sending large quantities of tomatoes to local markets, with daily arrivals reaching 8,000 to 9,000 boxes, almost double the usual amount.

The surplus has caused prices to plummet, leaving farmers struggling to cover basic costs like transportation and market fees. Many are forced to discard their produce as it becomes unprofitable to sell. A farmer from Pune’s Shirur taluka, shared his struggles, stating that crates of 22 kg sell for just $0.85 to $1.00, making it unsustainable to continue.

Demand from neighboring states has also declined, worsening the situation for farmers. With low prices and limited options, many growers are facing significant financial losses, hoping for government support or relief in the coming months.

source: punekarnews.in

photo: timesofindia.indiatimes.com