Tomato prices rise on lower arrivals

Lower arrivals in the market pushed up tomato prices on Sunday by Rs 100-150 a quintal for the different varieties.

Around 750 crates (a crate is 25 kg) of different varieties of tomato arrived at the Karnal vegetable market and were quoted Rs 350-1,850 a quintal. Around 4,000 crates of varieties such as 592, Abhilash, Nasik, Trishul and 524 were received in the markets of Karnal district.

Out of total arrivals, about 35 per cent stock was of low quality; around 50 per cent stock was of medium quality while just about 15 per cent stock of total arrivals was of superior quality.

After witnessing a fall earlier on Wednesday, tomato prices have regained their upper levels on account of lower availability of stocks.

Vikas Sachdeva, a trade expert, told Business Line, that there was no particular reason behind the fall in arrivals and it may pick up to around one thousand crates a day in the coming days.

Prices of superior quality increased by Rs 150 a quintal and quoted at Rs 1,650-1,850 a quintal. The prices of Medium quality produce went up by Rs 100 and quoted at Rs 750-1,100 a quintal while Low quality produce was at Rs 350-600 a quintal, Rs 100 up from previous levels.

On Sunday, about 100 crates remained unsold due to lower quality.

Absence of bulk-buying is putting some pressure on the market, said Vikas Sachdeva. Traders expect that tomato prices may continue to rule around current levels for the next few days.

With the weather turning favourable, quality of the stock is expected to be good by mid-March, he added.