Potato Price Plunge Cuts Thali Cost 17%—India October Update
In October 2025, Indian home-cooked food became cheaper. Potato prices crashed 31% year-on-year, slashing thali costs. Strong rabi output and supply boosted farmer confidence. Mandi rates mark the lowest in months, affecting all market stakeholders.
By the Numbers
- 31%
- Year-on-year potato price drop (CRISIL RRR report)
- 17%
- Vegetarian thali cost reduced (CRISIL/ANI)
- 12%
- Non-veg thali cost reduced (CRISIL/ANI)
- 54.4 INR
- October non-veg thali average (CRISIL, Business Standard)
- 27.8 INR
- October veg thali average (CRISIL, Business Standard)
Changes This Week
Vegetarian thali price fell to INR 27.8 in October from INR 28.1 in September. Non-veg thali cost dropped 3% month-on-month. Broiler prices dipped 4% over September due to oversupply. Onion slipped 3% and tomato 8% month-on-month.
Supply Analysis
Higher rabi potato yield increased mandi arrivals. Farmers released stored stock ahead of kharif harvest. Other vegetables—onion, tomato—also saw strong supply. Pulses, especially Bengal gram, surged via imports. Cold storage inventories remain high but expected to ease in December.
Demand Signals
Consumer demand rose as thali prices dropped. Festive period led to more vegetable oil purchases, pushing up oil prices by 11%. Broiler demand weak amidst excess supply. Retail inflation cooled to 1.54% in September—lowest since 2017 (CPI).
Regional Snapshot
lowest impact: Azadpur Mandi, Delhi, price, strong supply from rabi crop | highest impact: Lasalgaon Mandi, Maharashtra, price, rabi stock clearing before kharif | stable: Belagavi Mandi, Karnataka, price, onion and potato arrivals balanced
Policy Risks
Government raised yellow pea import duty to 30%, could extend to nearby pulses. This may push up input costs if duties expand. Farmer subsidy applications continue under PM-AASHA scheme for price support. Cold storage release schedule depends on local mandi guidelines.
Questions & Answers
What is the average potato price now?
October average price fell 31%. Check mandi daily for latest rate.
How can I store potatoes for 30 days?
Use cold storage below 6°C. Release gradually as market improves.
Did acreage increase this rabi season?
Potato production rose 3–4%. Mandi arrivals signal higher acreage.
Where can I sell potatoes at highest rate?
Lasalgaon mandi, Maharashtra saw rapid rabi stock clearance, best prices.
What are the latest government subsidies?
PM-AASHA supports procurement. Apply by November 20 for potatoes.