Subheadline: Wholesale lemon prices have more than doubled in 15 days, while several other vegetables have become cheaper as supply patterns change.
Navi Mumbai | September 8, 2026 — Wholesale vegetable prices at the Vashi Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) have moved sharply in opposite directions over the past 15 to 20 days, with lemon, tomato and coriander becoming costlier as arrivals declined, while brinjal, okra, bottle gourd and French beans became cheaper after supplies increased.
According to market information reported from Vashi APMC, the wholesale price of lemons rose from Rs 25 per kg on August 20 to Rs 38 on September 1 and Rs 55 on September 7. The increase amounts to about 120% in 15 days. Tomato prices rose from Rs 14 to Rs 22.50 per kg over the same period, an increase of 60.7%.
Coriander from the Nashik region also recorded a sharp increase. Its wholesale price rose from Rs 6 to Rs 11 per kg, representing an 83.3% rise. Market participants attributed the increases in lemon and tomato prices mainly to lower arrivals from producing areas, including Nashik and Junnar, following rainfall that affected the movement of some crops.
Coriander is particularly vulnerable to spoilage during the monsoon, which has contributed to the rapid increase in its price, according to the market report. Demand for the three vegetables has remained steady while arrivals have declined, putting upward pressure on wholesale rates.
At the same time, the arrival of newer vegetable supplies has brought down prices for several other products. Brinjal declined from Rs 32 to Rs 17 per kg, a fall of 46.9%. Bottle gourd fell from Rs 21 to Rs 13, okra from Rs 35 to Rs 22, and French beans from Rs 45 to Rs 30 per kg. Cluster beans declined from Rs 60 to Rs 50 per kg. Carrot prices moved in the opposite direction, rising from Rs 20 to Rs 24 per kg.
The changes in wholesale prices have not been fully reflected in retail markets. Transport, handling and vendor expenses generally add about Rs 10 to Rs 20 per kg over wholesale prices, according to the report. As a result, consumers may see some relief in the prices of vegetables with increased arrivals, but the higher rates of lemons, tomatoes and coriander continue to affect household purchases.
Market sources said Maharashtra, excluding the Marathwada region, has received favourable rainfall that has supported vegetable production and increased arrivals for several varieties. Rishi Doke said supplies could increase further after Diwali, when produce from Gujarat and other regions, along with local arrivals, is expected to reach the market.
Traders also claimed that direct marketing channels have reduced direct arrivals at Vashi APMC by 50% to 60%. According to their account, produce from villages is being sent directly to markets in Virar, Borivali, Dadar and other locations, affecting the volume of goods reaching the Navi Mumbai wholesale market. Traders further said municipal action against encroachments and unauthorised businesses has affected market operations, although the report did not provide an independent assessment of the claimed impact.
The market will continue to be watched as arrivals from local producing areas and other states change after the monsoon and ahead of the post-Diwali period.
