On October 15, the best quality tomato in the wholesale market was of Rs 20. From then, the price went up steadily, touching Rs 36 per kg upto November 10. The minimum cost of Rs 10 per kg has remained more or less stable since then.

On Monday, however, prices has sharp fallen in the wholesale market. "From Rs 800-900 per crate, tomato prices had fallen to Rs 500 per crate and the difference was likely to reflect in the retail market soon", said Anil Malhotra, general secretary of the vegetable association.

"There was a gap in demand and supply due to a break between the old and new crop. First there were unseasonal rains, and then a virus spoilt some of the crop. In Bangalore, farmers sold tomatoes for Rs 40 per kg from the field itself. Now new crop has come into the market from Shivpuri, Jaipur, Ahmedabad etc." said Malhotra