MarketNorth And Middle Andaman, Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Potato Prices Drop 31%—Thali Cost Hits 17% Low
Potato prices in India fell 31% in October 2025. A rise in rabi production helps push costs lower for meals nationwide. Indian households see relief as food inflation turns negative.
By the Numbers
- 31%
- potato price drop since Sept (CRISIL, Nov 2025)
- 3.5%
- rabi production increase driving supply up (CRISIL, Nov 2025)
- INR 27.8
- average vegetarian thali cost in Oct (CRISIL, Nov 2025)
- 17%
- vegetarian thali cost reduction vs Sept (CRISIL, Nov 2025)
- 5.02%
- food inflation decrease YoY Oct (MoSPI, Nov 2025)
Changes This Week
Potato retail prices dropped sharply by 31% in October compared to September 2025. Major mandis reported lower rates. Vegetarian thali cost fell 17% to INR 27.8, non-veg thali dropped 12%. Cost relief links directly to a 3-4% rise in rabi output and ongoing cold storage releases. However, November sees firmness as early rabi arrivals stay limited (CRISIL, Nov 2025; MoSPI, Nov 2025).
Supply Analysis
Rabi potato yields improved 3.5%, boosting nationwide supply. Cold storages begin gradual releases, expected to peak mid-December. Past storage bottlenecks ease, enabling smoother market arrivals. Weather remains stable this season. No major disruptions reported. Sufficient supply currently outpaces local demand.
Demand Signals
Vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali prices both fell, reflecting waning demand for premium vegetables and pulses. Food inflation is negative for the second successive month (MoSPI, Nov 2025). Urban centers saw bigger price dips. Consumption remains moderate. Processors hold back bulk purchases until prices stabilize.
Regional Snapshot
lowest impact: Lucknow Mandi, Uttar Pradesh, stable price, consistent arrivals | highest impact: Rahuri Mandi, Maharashtra, price fall, excess local supply | stable: Indore Mandi, Madhya Pradesh, moderate price change, steady demand
Policy Risks
Government maintains price monitoring via Department of Consumer Affairs. Early rabi release windows help curb speculative hoarding. No new subsidy announcement yet. State agencies advise farmers to report crop losses for prompt compensation. ICAR recommends careful cold storage management to guard against sudden price swings.
Questions & Answers
What is the current cost per kg for potatoes?
Potato retail prices range from INR 17–36/kg in major states (DCA, May 2025).
How long can potatoes be stored in cold storage?
Potatoes store up to 6 months; check cold storage guidelines for optimal temperature (ICAR, 2025).
What area is under potato cultivation now?
Current potato acreage is 2.2 million hectares nationwide (MoSPI, Nov 2025).
Are potato prices stable in every mandi?
Prices remain firm in most UP mandis, saw drops in Maharashtra (KhetiVyapar, Aug 2025).
Any current government support available for potato farmers?
Farmers can claim crop loss compensation; no new subsidy for potato announced (MoSPI, Nov 2025).
Sources
- 1.https://informistmedia.com/CommodityWire/38826/Thali-Cost-Cost-of-meals-in-Oct-down-as-vegetables-pulses-prices-fall-says-CRISIL-arm
- 2.https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/CPI_PR_12nov25.pdf
- 3.https://www.ceicdata.com/en/india/retail-price-department-of-consumer-affairs-agriculture-commodities-daily-by-states-potato
- 4.https://www.khetivyapar.com/en/potato-market-rate-today-1-august-2025-7408
- 5.https://www.icar.gov.in/