New Delhi: In response to the sharp rise in tomato prices in India, the central government has directed the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) to sell tomatoes at a discounted rate of Rs 80 per kg.
The move comes after the retail price of tomatoes had surged to as high as Rs 244 per kg in some parts of the country. The high prices were attributed to the lean season as well as heavy rains, which had disrupted the supply of tomatoes.
NCCF and NAFED have started selling tomatoes at discounted rate in Delhi, Noida, Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Arrah. The tomatoes are being sold through mobile vans and at designated outlets.
The government has also directed the states to take steps to control the prices of tomatoes. These measures include increasing the supply of tomatoes by importing them from other countries, and ensuring that there is no hoarding or black marketing of the vegetable.
The sale of tomatoes at a discounted rate is expected to provide some relief to consumers. However, it is important to note that the prices of tomatoes are likely to remain high in the coming weeks, as the lean season is still on.
In addition to the government’s intervention, there are a number of things that consumers can do to help bring down the prices of tomatoes. These include; buying tomatoes in bulk when the prices are low, storing tomatoes in a cool, and storing them in dry place to extend their shelf life.
By taking these steps, consumers can help to reduce the demand for tomatoes and bring down the prices. The tomatoes are being sold through mobile vans and at designated outlets. The discounted price of Rs 80 per kg is applicable to all varieties of tomatoes. The sale of tomatoes is being done on a first-come, first-served basis. The government has not specified how long the discounted sale will continue.
It is important to note that the sale of tomatoes at a discounted rate is only a temporary measure. The government is working to address the underlying issues that have led to the high prices of tomatoes. These measures include increasing the production of tomatoes and ensuring that there is a smooth supply chain.