Tomato prices dropped by Rs 150-300 a quintal on Thursday in key North Indian markets on higher supply and lower offtake.

Vikas Sachdeva, a trade expert, told Business Line , that the situation was anticipated as farmers, who had not brought their produce last week due to rain, have started off-loading their stocks in the market.

 In Karnal, a key market for tomato, apart from regular arrivals from the farms, the vegetable market has begun receiving stocks from the greenhouse operators also.

Around 1,000 crates (a crate is 25 kg) of different varieties of tomato arrived at the Karnal vegetable market on Thursday.

They ruled between Rs 200 and Rs 1,700 depending on quality. Around 6,000 crates of varieties such as 592, Abhilash, Nashik, Trishul, 525, Avinash and 524 have been received in various markets in Karnal district.

 Of the total arrivals, about 40 per cent stock was of low quality; around 50 per cent was of medium quality and only 10 per cent was of superior quality.

 Prices of superior quality decreased by Rs 150 a quintal and quoted at Rs 1,650-1,700.

The prices of medium quality produce dropped by Rs 300-750-1,000, while low quality produce ruled at Rs 200-600, down Rs 200 from the previous levels.

Despite the fall in prices, bulk buyers are still keeping away from the market. On Thursday, some 5-7 per cent the total arrival remained unsold.  

There has been too much volatility in the market in the last few days but it is unlikely to see any major change in the next couple of days, said Vikas Sachdeva.

The quality of the stocks is likely to be inferior for the next couple of weeks in view of rain last week, he said.

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