Pune: In the vicinity of Manchar, a steady stream of tomato-laden vehicles dominates the roads towards Nashik. Narayangaon, a major tomato hub in the district, has become one of the prominent tomato markets in the country. The region encompassing Junnar and Ambegaon taluks has flourished in tomato production due to its favorable climate, fertile land, and ample water resources.
Notably, traders from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and even Odisha continue to flock to Narayangaon in search of quality tomatoes. While tomato cultivation in Maharashtra primarily occurs in Pune, Nagar, and Nashik districts, Narayangaon and its neighboring areas have managed to sustain tomato production throughout the year, even during off-seasons.
Previously, tomatoes from the Narayangaon belt, along with other agricultural produce, used to be transported to Mumbai via the old Pune-Mumbai highway. However, the perishable nature of tomatoes led to losses in case of traffic congestion. Consequently, traders gradually shifted their operations directly to Narayangaon. Some even began purchasing tomatoes directly from farmers near the dam. Fifteen years ago, a sub-market committee was established in Narayangaon to facilitate auctioning and centralize the tomato market.
Regardless of the weather conditions, every morning at around eight, tempos arrive at the Bazar Samiti’s patangan, carrying crates of green, semi-ripe, and ripe tomatoes from various directions. Between 8:30 and 9:30, traders enter the arena to participate in bidding. The price of each batch of tomatoes is determined based on quality, and the tempos then deliver the produce directly to the traders.
Although tomato cultivation has expanded to regions like Beed, Jalna, and Parbhani, farmers from these areas prefer transporting their tomatoes to Narayangaon to secure better prices. Each day, more than 150 traders from across the country visit this bustling market. Many renowned malls and hotel chains source their tomatoes from Narayangaon, with the market committee playing a crucial role as the intermediary between farmers and traders.
