Cooperative NCCF said on Wednesday that about 5 tonnes of tomatoes imported from neighboring Nepal would be retailed in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday at a concessional rate of Rs 50 per kg. The National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) has contracted to import a total of 10 tonnes of tomatoes from Nepal. NCCF is undertaking domestic procurement of tomatoes along with imports on behalf of the Central Government and retailing them at a subsidized rate to provide relief to consumers from high prices. The initiative has been taken by the NCCF on the directions of the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

NCCF Managing Director Anis Joseph Chandra said, “We have contracted to import 10 tonnes of tomatoes from Nepal. Out of this, 3-4 tonnes were distributed in Uttar Pradesh yesterday. About 5 tonnes...is on the way and will be retailed in UP on Thursday at discounted rates. Due to non-storability, it is not possible to sell this imported tomato in other parts of the country, he said.

In Uttar Pradesh, both imported and locally procured tomatoes are being sold through mobile vans at select locations along with stationary outlets. Chandra said that in Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan, tomatoes procured from major producing states of the country are being sold at a subsidized rate of Rs 50 per kg. Asked about further import of tomatoes from Nepal, Chandra said, imports from Nepal will be done in a graded manner as domestic arrivals have started in mandis of some states.