Heavy arrivals squeeze tomato

An increase in arrivals dragged tomato prices by Rs 100-400 a quintal on Sunday.

Around 850 crates (of 25 kg each) of different varieties of tomato arrived at the Karnal vegetable market and were quoted between Rs 600 and Rs 2,000 a quintal.

Around 3,500 crates of varieties such as 524, Anoop, Himsona, Trishul, Himshikhar and Ahmedabad were received in the markets of Karnal district.

Out of total arrivals, about 30 per cent stock was of low quality; around 40 per cent stock was of medium quality while about 30 per cent stock was of superior quality.

Vikas Sachdeva, a trade expert, told Business Line that easy availability of stocks mainly pulled tomato prices down. Arrivals have improved over the last one week and it may increase gradually in the coming weeks.

Traders expect arrivals to be in full swing within the next 20-25 days, he added.

Prices of superior quality decreased further by Rs 400 a quintal and quoted at Rs 1,700-2,000 . The prices of Medium quality were down by Rs 300 and quoted at 1,000-1,400 while Low quality produce was at Rs 600-1,000 , Rs 100 down from previous levels.

On Sunday, some 3-5 per cent the total arrival remained unsold.