Tomato Prices Drop to ₹10 per kg in Erode as Supplies Surge
Tomato prices fell sharply to ₹10 per kg in the wholesale market in Erode on Thursday, July 9, 2026, driven by a significant increase in supplies, offering relief to consumers after weeks of high prices.
Traders at the Nethaji Daily Vegetable and Fruit Market on the V.O.C. Ground reported that arrivals from Andhra Pradesh rose to about five tonnes on Wednesday and Thursday, up from two to three tonnes in previous days. Tomatoes also continued to arrive from Thalavadi, Dharmapuri, and Karnataka. The higher arrivals, attributed to fresh harvesting in producing regions, led to the steep decline in prices.
After hovering around ₹30 per kg earlier in the week, the wholesale price dropped to ₹7-₹10 per kg on Thursday. Retail prices also fell to ₹15-₹25 per kg, depending on quality. For much of June, tomatoes were sold at ₹25-₹55 per kg, but fresh supplies from local cultivation and neighbouring regions have eased prices considerably.
A 25-kg box of tomatoes was sold for up to ₹250 in the wholesale market. However, part of the unsold stock had to be discarded because tomatoes have a short shelf life and the sudden increase in supplies outpaced demand. Traders expect supplies to rise further over the next few days, which could keep prices under pressure.
They cautioned, however, that a weaker-than-normal monsoon due to El Niño conditions could damage crops and push prices up again. “If rainfall remains erratic, the crop could be affected and prices may rise again,” a wholesaler said.
