Tomatoes prices gain on lack of quality

Low arrivals in the market pushed > tomato prices further up by Rs 50-150 a quintal on Sunday.

Vikas Sachdeva, a trade expert, told Business Line, that tomato arrivals have dropped to halfbecause of rainfall.

Traders expect tomato prices to decrease marginally because huge stocks are likely to come in the next couple of days.

But tomato prices may regain their upper levels by month-end, he added.

Around 600 crates (a crate is 25 kg) of different varieties of tomato arrived at the Karnal vegetable market and were quoted at Rs 600-1,850. Around 3,000 crates of varieties such as 592, Abhilash, Nashik, Trishul, 525, Avinash and 524 arrived at the markets of Karnal district.

Out of total arrivals, about 25 per cent stocks were of low quality; around 40 per cent medium quality while about 35 per cent was of superior quality.

Prices of superior quality increased further by Rs 50 and quoted at Rs 1,550-1,850.

The prices of medium quality produce went up by Rs 100 and quoted at Rs 900-1,300 while the low quality was at Rs 600-800, up Rs 150 from the previous levels.

Because of low availability of good quality stocks and rising demand, tomato prices have increased by Rs 300-850.

Following higher price, bulk demand has decreased in the last couple of days and buyers are placing smaller orders.

Meanwhile, due to sudden rainfall, farmers have not sown for the next crop and with every rainfall, the size of tomatoes is getting smaller and the quality lower, said Vikas.

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