Tomato in Delhi plunges to ₹1-2 a kg\, onion to ₹8

NEW DELHI: Tomato prices have crashed to ₹1-2 per kg while onions have fallen to about ₹8 per kg in Delhi’s wholesale market because of weak demand and strong supply in the harvest season, which will keep prices low, traders said. Direct purchases from farmers have also hit wholesalers. Tomato traded at ₹8-10 two week ago, said Subhah Chugh, president, Tomato and Vegetable Traders Association, Azadpur mandi.

“Increased supply from neighbouring states and poor demand from hotels, restaurants, hostels, canteen and banquet halls which account for over 50% of the buyers are the major reasons,” Chugh said. Demand from hotels, which bought 50-300 kg a day had fallen 50%-60%. Tomato and onion consumption at hostels has also crashed as more than 15-20 lakh student have gone back homes, traders said.