Market
Potato Mandi Update: Prices Remain Uneven Across Major Markets Ahead of Diwali
Potato prices continue to vary across Indian markets as the festive season approaches. The latest available mandi reports show lower reference prices in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab compared with Gujarat and Delhi.
On 19 October, the national median modal price was ₹1,200 per quintal across 590 reporting mandis. Gujarat reported a median of ₹1,300 per quintal, while Punjab stood at ₹700. Uttar Pradesh reported a median of ₹551 per quintal on 20 October.
These figures suggest that location remains an important factor in potato selling decisions. However, the available data does not establish that Diwali demand has caused prices to rise or fall. Local arrivals, quality, variety and buying activity must also be considered.
Latest Available Mandi Prices
| Market | Reported price | Report date |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat — state median | ₹1,300/qtl | 19 Oct |
| Punjab — state median | ₹700/qtl | 19 Oct |
| Uttar Pradesh — state median | ₹551/qtl | 20 Oct |
| Delhi — Keshopur Mandi | ₹1,200/qtl | 20 Oct |
| India — national median | ₹1,200/qtl | 19 Oct |
Source: Reported mandi prices compiled from government market data. Dates and numbers of reporting mandis vary by market. These are reference figures, not guaranteed transaction prices.
What to Watch During the Festival Period
- Arrivals: Check whether daily truck arrivals increase or decrease in major wholesale markets.
- Demand: Monitor whether buyers increase purchases ahead of the festival or maintain normal buying levels.
- Prices: Compare daily modal prices with the previous few trading days instead of relying on a single report.
- Quality: Different varieties and grades can command different prices, even within the same mandi.
What This Means for PB Stakeholders
Farmers: Check current local rates before selling and account for transport, handling and grading costs.
Traders: Track arrivals and buyer demand daily to understand whether the market is strengthening or weakening.
Cold Storage Owners: Monitor stock releases and local market conditions before planning sales.
Retailers and Buyers: Compare wholesale prices and quality across available suppliers.
🟢 PB Takeaway
Potato prices differ significantly across markets, even as India enters the festive period. The next useful signal will be whether changes in arrivals and buying activity lead to a sustained movement in mandi prices. A festival-related price impact should be confirmed by actual market data, not assumed.