To obtain tomatoes from AP, Karnataka, and Maharashtra for distribution in important consumption centers, the Centre has instructed the NAFED and NCCF
New Delhi: On Wednesday, the Centre ordered cooperatives NAFED and NCCF to purchase tomatoes from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra for distribution in major consumption centers, where retail prices have increased most in the past month. This was done in an effort to lessen the burden on the average person amid skyrocketing prices.
The Consumer Affairs Ministry announced in a statement that starting on July 14, consumers in the Delhi-NCR region will have access to cheap tomato supplies through retail outlets. Due to supply interruption brought on by the nation's severe rains, retail prices of tomatoes have increased up to Rs 200 per kg in some areas of the country. The National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) and National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) will handle the tomato purchase.
Identifying Important Consumption Hubs
According to the Ministry, the centers that will get tomatoes have been chosen based on the absolute increase in retail prices over the previous month in those centers where prices are higher than the national average. The intervention will be further targeted at key consumption hubs in states with a higher concentration of the identified hubs, it said.
The ministry noted that the months of July through August and October through November are typically the slowest months for tomato production. The monsoon season's timing of July "adds to distribution challenges and increases transit losses contributing to price rise," it stated.
According to the report, supplies are currently primarily coming from Maharashtra, particularly Satara, Narayangaon, and Nashik, and are anticipated to last through the end of this month in marketplaces in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and a few other states.
Tomatoes Will Be Available Soon.
Andhra Pradesh's Madanapalle (Chittoor) is experiencing consistent, manageable arrivals as well. It stated that the arrivals in Delhi-NCR are primarily from Himachal Pradesh and a little amount from Kolar in Karnataka. According to the government, the Nashik district should soon see the arrival of the fresh crop.
In addition, greater supply is anticipated in August from the Narayangaon and Aurangabad belt. Arrivals from Madhya Pradesh are also anticipated to begin. Accordingly, the ministry stated that "prices are anticipated to cool down in the near future."
Though in various amounts, tomatoes are almost always grown in all of India's states. The southern and western regions of India produce the most, accounting for 56–58% of the nation's total output.
Depending on the production seasons, the southern and western areas are surplus states that supply other markets. Additionally, different regions have varied production seasons. The busiest time for harvesting is from December through February.
According to the study, the fluctuation in tomato prices between regions and the cycle of planting and harvesting seasons are mostly to blame.
Aside from the regular seasonality of prices, it continued, temporary supply chain breakdowns, crop loss from unfavorable weather conditions, etc. frequently cause sharp price increases.
