Consumers to get tomatoes at 'discounted prices' amid skyrocketing rates; know how
Tomato price hike: Amid a dramatic increase in tomato prices across the country, the Central government has decided to procure the staple vegetable from mandis in the key growing states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
Centre has directed its agencies NAFED and NCCF to immediately procure the staple vegetable from mandis of these states.
Tomato price increases are being observed across the country, not just in one region or geography. It reached Rs 150-160 per kg in many cities. Once procured, these will be shipped for simultaneous distribution in major consuming areas where retail prices have increased the most in the previous month.
Tomato production is normally low during the months of July-August and October-November.
According to a food ministry release issued Wednesday, tomato stocks would be supplied to consumers in the Delhi NCR region through retail outlets at "discounted prices" by Friday this week.
"The targeted centres for tomato release have been identified based on the absolute increase in retail prices over the last month in centres where prevailing prices are higher than the All-India average."
Tomatoes are grown in practically every state in India but in different quantities. The southern and western parts of India produce the most, accounting for 56-58 percent of overall production.
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“Southern and Western regions being surplus states, feed to other markets depending on production seasons. The production seasons are also different across regions. The peak harvesting season occurs from December to February.”
The government blamed the price increase on the monsoon season, saying it added to distribution issues and increased transit losses. Tomatoes have a shorter shelf life than other fruits and vegetables.
Currently, supplies arriving in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and other states are primarily from Maharashtra, particularly Satara, Narayangaon, and Nashik, and are expected to last until the end of the month.
Arrivals in Delhi NCR are mostly from Himachal Pradesh, with few from Kolar in Karnataka.
New crop arrivals from the Nashik district are expected soon. Furthermore, extra supply is expected from the Narayangaon and Aurangabad belts in August. Arrivals from Madhya Pradesh are also likely to begin.
"Prices are expected to cool down in the near future," the food ministry stated.
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- With inputs from agencies
