Kathmandu, June 5 – In just one month, tomato prices in the Kathmandu Valley have skyrocketed by as much as 85 percent due to reduced supplies caused by ongoing heat waves and unpredictable rain patterns impacting crop yields.
The Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board reports that over the last month, the wholesale cost of big Nepalese tomatoes surged by 85.71%, hitting Rs65 for each kilogram on Tuesday. In contrast, larger Indian tomatoes experienced a less dramatic increase of 9.01% to reach Rs50 per kilogram. Meanwhile, smaller domestic tomatoes have also seen their prices climb by 56.74% to stand at Rs35 per kilogram.
Retail prices, nevertheless, have surged even higher. Big tomatoes are currently priced at around Rs149 per kilogram, whereas smaller varieties are being sold for Rs99 per kg—up from Rs50-60 mere days ago.
The tomato harvest is vulnerable to rainfall and high temperatures. Due to the prevailing weather conditions, this produce deteriorates rapidly, leading to decreased availability, explained Binay Shrestha, an information officer with the Kalimati board. He stated that the primary cause of rising prices is the mismatch between supply and demand.
The quantity of big tomatoes reaching the Kalimati market in Kathmandu has decreased by 36.17 percent to 15 metric tons per month. Similarly, the supply of smaller tomatoes has reduced by 44.22 percent, totaling 56 metric tons now.
Shrestha noted that wholesale prices peaked at Rs80-90 per kilogram recently but are now showing signs of declining. The board’s latest market list shows that most other vegetables have also seen a drop in wholesale prices.
More seasonal vegetables are flooding into the market, aiding in balancing the total supply and consequently reducing costs for various produce.
On Monday, the Kalimati market got 601 tons of kitchen items.
Potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, radishes, eggplants, cowpeas, French beans, snake gourds, smooth gourds, sponge gourds, pumpkins, okra, leafy greens, mushrooms, and broccoli have experienced a decline in their wholesale pricing.
The price of potatoes decreased by 4.48 percent to Rs33.67 per kilogram in wholesale markets; however, retail prices stayed elevated between Rs50-90 per kilogram. Similarly, eggplant prices witnessed a significant drop of 29.32 percent to Rs17.67 per kilogram in wholesale, yet they continue to be priced at Rs80-90 per kilogram at retail outlets.
Cow peas fell 40 percent to Rs45 per kilogram, French beans (local) dropped 53.85 percent to Rs30, and hybrid French beans plummeted 61.54 percent to Rs25 per kilogram.
The price of green soybeans declined by 10.71 percent to Rs125 per kilogram.
In the category of green vegetables, the cost of snake gourds decreased by 44.44% to reach Rs25 per kilogram. The price of smooth gourds declined by 42.86%, now standing at Rs20 per kilogram, while sponge gourd prices went down by 26.67% to settle at Rs55 per kilogram. Despite these reductions, they still command higher prices ranging from Rs180-Rs190 per kilogram in retail outlets.
Pumpkin wholesale prices dropped by 11.11 percent to Rs40 per kilogram. However, retail prices stayed elevated between Rs80 and Rs90 per kilogram.
Okra saw one of the most significant declines, with wholesale prices dropping by 49.62 percent to Rs22.67 per kg. Nevertheless, retail prices continue to be high, ranging from Rs90 to Rs100 per kilogram.
As per the most recent report from Nepal Rastra Bank, the annual consumer price inflation was recorded at 3.39% by mid-April 2025, down from 4.61% during the corresponding timeframe the previous year. The increase in food and beverage prices was noted at 2.45%, whereas non-food and services showed an inflation rate of 3.90%.
Significantly, the price of vegetables dropped by 5.24 percent compared to the same time last year over the reviewed period.
Not all vegetables experienced a decline in price, though. Over the last month, the wholesale costs for onions, green peas, bitter gourds, bottle gourds, and squash have risen considerably.
The wholesale price of onions increased by 10.64 percent, climbing to Rs39 per kilogram, whereas retail prices surged to between Rs130 and Rs140 per kilogram. Meanwhile, green peas experienced a 47.37 percent rise at the wholesale level, now costing Rs140 per kilogram.
Bitter gourd posted one of the sharpest gains among seasonal vegetables, climbing 80 percent to Rs45 per kg wholesale. In retail markets, bitter gourd now costs Rs120-130 per kilogram.
Bottle gourds rose 66.67 percent to Rs25 per kilogram in wholesale and Rs120-130 in retail. Squash also became costlier, with long squash prices increasing by 66.67 percent to Rs25 per kilogram and round squash prices increasing by 33.33 percent to Rs20 a kg.
