Price Volatility Analysis Report: Azadpur Mandi (January 1 – April 7 2025)

Introduction

Azadpur Mandi, Asia’s largest wholesale market for fruits and vegetables, plays a pivotal role in shaping retail food prices across North India. Understanding the dynamics of price fluctuations in key vegetables is crucial for policy-makers, traders, farmers, and consumers. This report analyzes the price trends of three major commodities - Tomatoes, Onions, and Potatoes - that exhibited the highest volatility between January and April 2025.

This analysis identifies patterns, extreme price points, market behavior, and government interventions, aiming to improve awareness, guide storage and transport planning, and support timely market decisions.

1. Tomato 

  • Average Price: ₹226.01 per kg
  • Minimum Price: ₹186.45 per kg on March 15, 2025
  • Maximum Price: ₹265.43 per kg on April 5, 2025
  • Modal Price: ₹207.15 per kg

  • Period of Volatility: Mid-March to early April 2025

  • Government Interventions: In response to previous surges, government measures included anti-hoarding raids and fast-tracking supply from alternate regions.

  • Public Reaction: Notable public dissatisfaction with sharp price increases; many consumers reduced purchases or sought alternative vegetables.

2. Onion 

  • Average Price: ₹95.57 per kg
  • Minimum Price: ₹88.69 per kg on February 20, 2025
  • Maximum Price: ₹122.24 per kg on March 25, 2025
  • Modal Price: ₹86.61 per kg

  • Period of Volatility: Late February to late March 2025

  • Government Interventions: In November 2024, buffer stock releases and import facilitation helped ease prices.

  • Public Reaction: Strong public support for intervention; onion being essential, price hikes triggered media attention and political debate.

3. Potato 

Average Price: ₹88.99 per kg

  • Minimum Price: ₹79.58 per kg on January 10, 2025
  • Maximum Price: ₹113.09 per kg on March 30, 2025
  • Modal Price: ₹83.45 per kg
  • Period of Volatility: January to end of March 2025
  • Government Interventions: No major interventions reported during this period; cold storage capacity limitations noted.
  • Public Reaction: Moderate concern expressed over increasing costs; some calls for improved storage infrastructure.

Conclusion

From January to April 2025, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes exhibited the highest price volatility at Azadpur Mandi. Seasonal harvest cycles, supply chain disruptions, and adverse weather were primary drivers. While the government stepped in effectively for onions and previously for tomatoes, further systemic solutions such as storage expansion and real-time price tracking are recommended for all key vegetables.

Message to Stakeholders

To Traders:

Ensure transparency in supply chains and avoid speculative hoarding practices. Participate in digital auction platforms to increase efficiency and fairness in pricing.

To Farmers:
Adopt improved post-harvest storage techniques and diversify market access through farmer-producer organizations (FPOs) and e-mandis to reduce dependency on a single channel.

To Consumers:
Stay informed about seasonal price trends and support sustainable agriculture initiatives. Engage with cooperative markets and local producers when possible.

To Policymakers:
Invest in cold storage, real-time market monitoring systems, and weather-linked insurance to cushion both producers and consumers from price shocks.

Sources:

 

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