Three-year mandi data signals sharp supply-driven shifts across key vegetables

Latest wholesale mandi data from Agmarknet reveals sharp divergence in vegetable prices, with tomatoes witnessing a strong rally, while onions and potatoes trend downward across weekly, monthly, and annual periods.

Tomato prices rose to Rs 1,469.36 per quintal as on April 13, 2026, up from Rs 1,180.25 a week ago, reflecting a 24.49 percent increase, and higher than Rs 1,327.83 a month ago, marking a 10.65 percent rise. On a year-on-year basis, prices have surged 55.52 percent compared to Rs 944.75 recorded in April 2025. Over a longer horizon, tomato prices remain above Rs 919.53 seen three years ago and are slightly higher than Rs 1,378.75 recorded two years ago, underscoring the cyclical nature of supply-driven volatility.

Onion prices stood at Rs 993.78 per quintal, down from Rs 1,041.01 a week ago, indicating a 4.53 percent decline, and lower than Rs 1,029.88 a month ago, reflecting a 3.50 percent drop. Compared to Rs 1,323.91 a year ago, prices are down 24.93 percent. Despite the recent moderation, onion prices remain significantly above Rs 776.17 recorded three years ago, although they are below Rs 1,329.37 levels seen two years ago, suggesting improved supply conditions following earlier price spikes.

Potato prices declined further to Rs 633.41 per quintal, compared to Rs 675.99 a week ago, marking a 6.29 percent drop, and down from Rs 702.10 a month ago, reflecting a 9.78 percent decline. On a year-on-year basis, prices have fallen sharply by 44.36 percent from Rs 1,138.42 recorded in April 2025. Prices are also significantly lower than Rs 1,593.13 seen two years ago and below Rs 828.32 recorded three years ago, indicating a prolonged phase of surplus supply and sustained price correction.

The contrasting price movements highlight distinct supply dynamics across crops, with tomatoes facing short-term supply constraints leading to price spikes, onions entering a stabilisation phase with improved arrivals, and potatoes experiencing excess supply conditions that continue to weigh on prices.

With seasonal transitions underway, price volatility—particularly in perishable crops like tomatoes—is expected to persist. However, easing onion prices and sustained softness in potato rates may help balance overall food inflation pressures. The data underscores the growing importance of real-time market intelligence, storage infrastructure, and efficient supply chains in managing price stability across India’s essential food commodities.