Rising tomato prices: Govt cuts subsidized rates to Rs 70/kg

File Photo/Midday

The government of India has taken measures to provide relief to the common man from high retail tomato prices by reducing the price of subsidized tomatoes to Rs 70 per kilogramme, effective from Thursday. This move comes as a response to the declining trend in tomato prices in the market.

The subsidised tomatoes are being sold by cooperatives Nafed and NCCF on behalf of the government. Previously, the tomatoes were sold at Rs 90 per kg when the procurement started, and the price was later reduced to Rs 80 per kg from July 16, 2023.

With the latest price cut to Rs 70/kg, consumers are expected to benefit further from the initiative. The Department of Consumer Affairs has directed NCCF and NAFED to implement the new retail price from July 20, 2023.

In an effort to tackle soaring retail prices, NCCF and NAFED have been procuring tomatoes from mandis (wholesale markets) in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The procured tomatoes are then being sold in major consumption centres such as Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

Also read: Mumbai: I wanted to punch him in the face; rising tomato prices lead to anguish and changing food patterns

Since the start of the retail sale of subsidised tomatoes on July 14, 2023, a total of 391 tonnes of tomatoes have been procured by NCCF and NAFED and are being continuously supplied to retail consumers in the mentioned consumption centres.

The move is expected to alleviate the burden of high tomato prices for consumers and ease the impact of rising food costs in the country. (PTI)