Center started preparations to deal with it; Prices will come down soon; Tamil Nadu government took a big decision
Time to Read 3 Min
Retail prices of tomatoes have now touched Rs 120 a kg in some parts of the country due to scorching heat, low production and delayed rains.
The government has also swung into action regarding the skyrocketing prices of tomatoes. Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh has said that these prices are temporary and seasonal. Soon the prices will come down. Transport has been affected due to rain in some areas. Hence the rise in prices.
Meanwhile, to deal with sudden fluctuations in tomato prices, the Consumer Affairs Ministry will launch the Tomato Grand Challenge. New ideas will be invited to improve the production, processing and storage of tomatoes. The Consumer Affairs Secretary told that the challenge will start from now. Will make prototypes with new ideas and then take it forward.
He told that this happens every year at this time. Actually, tomato is a very perishable food product and sudden rains affect its transportation. As per the data available with the Department of Consumer Affairs, the average price of tomato at all India level on June 27 was Rs 46 per kg. However, its maximum price has also been recorded at Rs 122 per kg. Along with tomatoes, the prices of some vegetables have also increased rapidly.
Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the government has also started controlling the rising prices of tomatoes. Tomatoes will be sold here at Farm Fresh Outlets (FFO). Tomato will be sold at Rs 68 per kg in FFO. Steps are also being taken to sell tomato at FFO at Rs 60 per kg. Tamil Nadu Cooperative, Food and Consumer Protection Department Minister Periyakaruppan told that the government has taken this step to control the prices of tomatoes, to give relief to the poor and middle class people.
Prices increased due to supply disruption due to rain
In the Delhi-NCR region, the price of tomatoes has doubled to around Rs 80 per kg even at Mother Dairy's store selling milk and fruits and vegetables. Tomato prices have shot up due to disruption in supply due to rains in major producing areas. A Mother Dairy spokesperson said that the tomato crop is currently going through seasonal changes due to the onset of monsoon. Tomato crop has been affected due to rains in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and its supply has also fallen short of the demand.
Tomato production better in 2022-23
According to government data, tomato production is estimated at 20.62 million tonnes in the 2022-23 crop season, as against 20.69 million tonnes a year ago.
damage to crops due to rain
According to traders, tomato prices in May were Rs 3-5 a kg in the wholesale market and Rs 10-20 a kg in the retail market. But in June it suddenly increased and is now above Rs 100. Tomato prices have tripled in the last week. Due to less supply of tomatoes from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, tomatoes are coming from Bangalore. The crops have been damaged by the recent rains. Due to this, traders are erecting plants on the basis of wires. Traders of Delhi are talking to the farmers of Maharashtra to get tomatoes.
