At the forefront of this market movement is the onion, which currently maintains a steady presence in local mandis. With an average price hovering around ₹1,951.76 per quintal, onions have seen a robust arrival volume, peaking at 432 metric tonnes in recent reporting cycles. This steady influx has provided a buffer against drastic price spikes, offering a semblance of stability for consumers. In contrast, the potato market remains the most grounded, with prices consistently remaining under the ₹900 mark. Despite a healthy arrival rate of approximately 347 metric tonnes, the price of potatoes has stayed anchored near ₹878.10 per quintal, reinforcing its status as the most accessible vegetable for the general population.
However, the most pressing concern for regional kitchens is the escalating cost of tomatoes. Market figures indicate that the price of tomatoes has surged to approximately ₹2,933.17 per quintal. What makes this trend particularly striking is the volatility in supply; while some districts reported arrivals as high as 234 metric tonnes, others saw dips as low as 205 metric tonnes. This inconsistency in the "Arrival" metrics often dictates the sharp daily fluctuations seen at the retail level. Unlike cereal crops, these vegetables currently operate without a designated Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the 2026-27 period, leaving the final cost to be determined purely by the competitive forces of the open market and the efficiency of inter-district transport.
The administrative and economic implications of these figures are substantial for the region's food security and inflation management. As prices for essentials like tomatoes reach nearly triple that of potatoes, the pressure on the average household budget intensifies. Officials and market analysts monitor these arrival volumes closely, as any further thinning of supply could trigger emergency interventions or the need for external sourcing. Ultimately, the current data underscores a period of transition for Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural trade, where the stability of hardy crops and the volatility of perishables create a challenging economic tightrope for both farmers and the end consumer.
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