Tomato Prices Surge: How to Buy Tomatoes at Rs 65/kg in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad
The Indian government is selling tomatoes at Rs 65/kg through mobile vans in Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad to curb rising prices due to crop damage from unseasonal rains.
With tomato prices skyrocketing across the country due to unseasonal rains, the Indian government has stepped in to offer relief by selling tomatoes at Rs 65 per kilogram through mobile vans in Delhi and nearby cities like Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad. This initiative aims to ease the burden on households, where the price of tomatoes has crossed Rs 100 per kilogram in many markets.
The sharp rise in tomato prices can be attributed to damaged crops, especially in key tomato-growing states like Maharashtra. Unseasonal rains have led to significant crop loss, pushing prices higher. According to government data, the modal price of tomatoes in retail markets saw a 39% jump in October, reaching Rs 62 per kilogram from Rs 44 per kilogram in the previous month. Wholesale prices have also surged, increasing from Rs 3,562 to Rs 5,045 per quintal.
Where and How to Get Tomatoes at Rs 65/kg
To combat this price hike, the government has launched a program through mobile vans and specific outlets. The National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF), NAFED, and Safal outlets are selling tomatoes at the subsidized rate of Rs 65 per kilogram. These mobile vans have been deployed across various parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, and Faridabad to ensure easy access for consumers. This market intervention is part of the government's effort to make essential kitchen items affordable for the common people.
Rising Household Costs Due to Tomato Prices
The rising cost of tomatoes and other vegetables has significantly impacted household budgets. According to a report by Crisil, the price of a home-cooked vegetarian thali (meal) went up by 11% in September compared to the same time last year. The hike was primarily driven by the soaring cost of vegetables, with tomatoes being one of the major contributors. This increase is putting extra pressure on households already grappling with inflation.
Government's Price Stabilisation Efforts
In response to the price surge, the government has activated its Price Stabilisation Fund to manage costs in the retail market. This fund is designed to stabilize prices of essential commodities like tomatoes when there are extreme fluctuations. A similar effort was made in July when the government started selling tomatoes at Rs 60 per kilogram to counter rising prices. The current initiative of Rs 65 per kilogram is another step in this direction.
Challenges Faced by Farmers in Key Tomato-Growing States
Farmers in major tomato-producing states such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh are facing significant challenges this season. Delays in sowing for the kharif (monsoon) crop due to erratic weather conditions have affected production. In Maharashtra, pest and disease outbreaks have further worsened the situation, pushing tomato yields below the economic threshold. This has added to the shortage in supply, contributing to the price hike.
As tomato prices continue to affect both consumers and farmers, the government's efforts to stabilize prices through mobile vans and subsidies aim to provide some much-needed relief during this challenging period.
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