17% Thali Price Crash—October Markets Shift

Vegetarian thali cost fell 1% month-on-month, per Crisil. Broiler prices dropped 4% since September. Onion prices fell 51% annually, potatoes 31%. These rapid price changes reflect oversupply before new harvest arrivals and higher mandi volumes. Pulses, tomatoes, and key veggies also trended downward.

Farmers release old rabi stocks before fresh harvest. Potato output is high, causing 31% price drop. Mandi arrivals increase, especially for tomatoes and onions. Cold storage stocks affect further price movement. Higher Bengal gram and pea imports boost supply, per Moneycontrol.

Consumer demand remains steady, but low prices drive more purchases for home-cooked meals. Festive buying lifted edible oil and LPG prices by 11% and 6%. Non-veg thali cost dipped 12% year-on-year, helped by lower broiler prices due to oversupply.

lowest impact: Nashik mandi, Maharashtra, price, Onion rates lowest, oversupply | highest impact: Azadpur mandi, Delhi, price, Potato arrivals up 40%, price crashed | stable: Mettupalayam mandi, Tamil Nadu, stability, Steady volumes, retailers see no big change

Government keeps Essential Commodities Index in ‘deflation zone’ for 6 months, per Bank of Baroda. Policy on minimum support price (MSP) for rabi vegetables is under review. Subsidy applications remain open at local agri-offices for storage and transport till November 30. Traders must verify FSSAI compliance for bulk stocks as regulations update.