The National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) has announced the retailing of tomatoes at subsidized rates in Delhi-NCR to provide relief from the soaring prices. Starting on July 29th, 2024, tomatoes will be available for purchase at ₹ 60/kg at various strategic locations across Delhi and NCR. These locations include Krishi Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Colony, Hauz Khas Head Office, Parliament Street, INA Market, Mandi House, Kailash Colony, I.T.O, South Extension, Moti Nagar, Dwarka, Noida Sector 14 and Sector 76, Rohini, and Gurugram.
The initiative aims to stabilize the market and provide substantial cost relief to consumers. Tomato prices have surged due to supply disruptions caused by recent rains in producing centers. Data from the Consumer Affairs Ministry showed retail tomato prices at ₹ 77 per kg in Delhi on July 27th, with prices exceeding ₹ 100 per kg in various markets depending on quality and locality.
“Prices of tomato, potato, and onion are ruling high in Delhi and some other cities. Extreme heat followed by spells of excess rainfall disrupted supplies, causing a spike in prices in consuming areas,” a senior official from the Department of Consumer Affairs told HT.
By targeting multiple high-footfall locations, the NCCF aims to ensure widespread accessibility and convenience for consumers. Earlier on July 9th, a report indicated that tomato prices are expected to rise across northern India, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi NCR, and Haryana, due to damage sustained by tomato crops following heavy rainfall in the Muradabad region, a major hub for tomato cultivation.
The excessive rains severely impacted tomato fields, leading to widespread crop destruction. Farmers in the area were forced to uproot their tomato crops to prepare the land for alternative types of cultivation as the vegetable was rotting on the plants due to heavy rains, and the waterlogged fields were causing further decay.
