Tomato will be sold at Rs 65 per kg, Central Government’s decision

Business Business: In order to control the rising prices of tomatoes in the retail market, Smt. Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution today flagged off a van of National Cooperative Consumers Federation Ltd. (NCCF) selling tomatoes at a subsidized rate of Rs 65 per kg in Delhi-NCR. Relief from Rising Tomato Prices: NCCF has taken the initiative of buying tomatoes directly from wholesale markets and selling them at lower rates. This market intervention is aimed at protecting consumers from the sharp rise in tomato prices witnessed in recent weeks, as well as preventing middlemen from earning excessive profits.

Apart from tomatoes, NCCF is also making available onions at the rate of Rs 35 per kg from the buffer stock of the Government in major cities. Surge in Tomato Prices During Festive Season: In recent weeks, retail tomato prices have unexpectedly surged despite adequate supplies arriving in the wholesale markets. This surge is due to the deterioration in quality caused by excessive moisture due to prolonged monsoon rains in major tomato producing states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Further, the increase in demand during the festive season and involvement of middlemen have also been identified as factors contributing to the price rise.

Key Initiatives of NCCF: Protecting Consumer Interests:
NCCF’s intervention highlights the organization’s commitment to promote fair trade practices, ensure price stability and protect consumer interests. By connecting directly with farmers and offering tomatoes at subsidized prices, NCCF is playing a vital role in mitigating the impact of price fluctuations.

Senior officials of the Department of Consumer Affairs, including Joint Secretary and Managing Director of NCCF Shri Anupam Mishra, Senior Economic Advisor Shri I.S. Negi and Economic Advisor Dr. Kamkhethang Guite were present at the launch of the initiative. The program aims to provide affordable essential commodities to consumers at various locations in the country, especially amid rising prices.

The move will help consumers get relief from the rising prices of tomatoes, ensuring that they can access this essential commodity at a reasonable price.