Potato Prices Slide 31%—Thali Costs Drop 17% in October..

Potato wholesale prices fell further, showing a 31% decrease over October 2024, according to NDTV (Nov 2025). The cost of home-cooked vegetarian thalis dropped up to 17% year-on-year. This improvement is driven by higher rabi production and better arrivals of pulses and vegetables. However, early rabi crop supply remains low, keeping prices firm. Cold storage releases are expected to soften the market only by mid-December.

India’s rabi 2024–25 crop brought a 3–4% increase in potato production compared to last year (NDTV, Nov 2025). National unloading figures in July were similar to last year but cold storages hold more carry-over stock (Indian Potato, July 2025). Excess stocks suggest market pressure may continue unless demand picks up or storage costs ease. Some states, like Bihar and West Bengal, have seen stable or rising exports (Indian Potato, July 2025). Rains supported crop health in July, but erratic weather earlier in 2024 affected yields in northern states like UP. Polished production and stock management are crucial as cold storage rental rates remain high, limiting small farmer access (Procurement Resource, 2024).

Vegetable and pulse prices corrected sharply in October, supporting strong thali demand (NDTV, Nov 2025). Urban and rural consumers benefit from a 17% lower meal cost, with retail purchases rising in states reporting better availability, such as Bihar (Department of Consumer Affairs, May 2025). However, festive demand could push up prices if cold storage stock remains slow to release. Fast food and frozen potato segments stayed steady, with processors holding demand at 2024 levels (Grandview Research, Oct 2025). Overall, consumer sentiment improved due to food inflation easing for two consecutive months (Business Today, Oct 2025).

lowest impact: Azadpur Mandi, Delhi, stable price, steady arrivals keep prices flat | highest impact: Silchar, Assam, price spike, road blockades disrupt supply | stable: Agra Mandi, UP, stable price, normal cold storage releases

The government increased pulse imports and is considering potato imports from Bhutan and neighboring countries to prevent shortages (NDTV, Nov 2025; Procurement Resource, 2024). No direct potato subsidy change was announced, but Ministry of Agriculture officials express concern about late blight outbreaks and rising cold storage costs. Production-linked incentives for processing units remain in force in select states. Farmers can apply for cold storage rental subsidy via state agriculture departments—required documents: Aadhar, land records, bank account, mandi receipts. Weather risks continue: erratic rainfall and heatwaves affected rabi planting schedules in North India. Changes in onion import-export and minimum export prices could indirectly influence the overall vegetable market in upcoming weeks.