The government has started selling tomatoes at Rs 65 per kilogram through mobile vans in Delhi and nearby cities. The move aims to make the kitchen essential more affordable as prices have crossed Rs 100 per kilogram in many markets. The recent spike in tomato prices can be attributed to unseasonal rains that have damaged key crops in farming areas, particularly in Maharashtra. Government data indicates that the modal price of tomatoes increased by 39% in October compared to the previous month, reaching Rs 62 per kilogram from Rs 44 per kilogram in the retail market. Similarly, wholesale prices rose to Rs 5045 per quintal from Rs 3562 per quintal during the same period.
How and Where to Get Tomatoes at Rs 65
The tomato sale, part of a larger intervention to curb the rising cost of tomatoes, is carried out through the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF), NAFED, and Safal outlets. Consumers can get tomatoes at subsidised rate at the nearby outlets.
Household Costs Affected
A report by Crisil revealed that the cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali increased by 11% year-on-year in September, primarily driven by the high prices of vegetables. This increase has impacted households across the country, especially as vegetable prices continue to rise.
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Price Stabilisation Fund in Action
In response to these price hikes, the government has launched its market intervention through the price stabilisation fund. The initiative aims to stabilise prices in the retail market. A similar step was taken in July when Food Minister Pralhad Joshi introduced the sale of tomatoes at Rs 60 per kilogram to control rising costs.
Farmers Facing Challenges in Key States
Farmers in major tomato-producing states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh have reported delays in sowing for the kharif tomato season. Moreover, pest and disease outbreaks in Maharashtra have crossed the economic threshold, further reducing supply.
Weather Conditions Contributing to the Crisis
Vegetable prices traditionally rise during the monsoon season due to difficulties in harvesting, transportation, and packaging. This year, the situation was exacerbated by a severe heatwave, which also damaged crops in key tomato-producing regions.
By selling tomatoes through mobile vans, the government is trying to ease the pressure on consumers and provide relief amid the ongoing price surge.
