NCCF (National Cooperative Consumers Federation of India) has started selling tomatoes at a subsidised rate of Rs 60 from today in Delhi and NCR (National Capital Region). This step has been undertaken to provide relief to consumers from the soaring prices of tomatoes. The prices of tomatoes have witnessed a surge owing to the problems in the supply because of the rainfall.
The Consumer Affairs Ministry data showed retail tomato prices at Rs 77 per kg in Delhi on July 27. However, the prices have been exceeding Rs 80 per kg in some areas, depending on quality and locality. ”The mega sale will commence on July 29, 2024, and will gradually expand to other locations in Delhi-NCR in the coming days,” NCCF said in a statement. NCCF also said that the subsidised tomatoes will be available at various locations including Krishi Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Colony and Hauz Khas. As per the statement, the tomatoes will also be provided at Parliament Street, INA Market, and several areas in Noida, Rohini, and Gurugram.
This initiative aims to bring in market stability and provide substantial cost relief to the customers. NCCF said the intervention highlights the government’s efforts to reduce the impact of rising food prices on consumers. Notably, tomato prices were lower than Rs 165 per kg recorded in the same period in 2023.
Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, told ANI that the prices of tomatoes will go down in the next 7 to 10 days. He said,” As you can see, the prices have been gradually decreasing compared to the last week. I believe that in seven to 10 days, the prices will normalise. Until then, we will continue with this programme.” The NCCF is procuring tomatoes from the wholesale mandis and selling them at reasonable retail prices.
As per the Down To Earth magazine, the price of tomatoes has surged by 19 per cent particularly over the past two months, from January to the first week of March 2024. Prices have increased by Rs 50 per kg at retail, exacerbated by weather disruptions. Before this, record-high tomato prices were observed in July and August 2023.
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