Pune: Tomato prices have dropped once again due to a sharp rise in supply across major markets in Maharashtra. With demand failing to match the surge in arrivals, wholesale prices have slumped to ₹8–₹15 per kg, while retail prices are hovering around ₹20 per kg. The drastic fall in prices has left tomato farmers in distress, as they struggle to recover production costs.

At Pune’s Market Yard, tomatoes are currently arriving in large quantities from Pune district, Solapur, Sangli, Kolhapur, Ahmednagar, and Nashik. Over the past few days, daily arrivals have surged to nearly 8,000–10,000 crates, significantly higher than the usual 4,000–7,000 crates.

Similar trends have been observed in markets across the state, contributing to the price slump. Additionally, nearby states have seen a boost in local production, reducing external demand for Maharashtra’s tomatoes.

During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall had damaged tomato crops, causing a temporary spike in prices. However, after the rains, many farmers across the state ramped up tomato cultivation. With the crop taking around two months to mature, multiple regions are now seeing harvests at the same time, leading to an oversupply.

Traders predict that tomato prices will likely remain low for the next 20–25 days due to continued high supply in Maharashtra and neighboring states. The lack of external demand has further added to the problem. However, if arrivals decline towards the end of the month, a price recovery may be possible, said Vilas Bhujbal, Senior Trader, Market Yard.