Tomato to be distributed at discounted prices in major cities: Central Govt

Hyderabad: The Department of Consumer Affairs has directed the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers Federation (NCCF) to immediately procure tomatoes from mandis in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra for simultaneous distribution in major consumption areas where retail prices have increased the most in the last month.

Tomato inventories would be delivered to customers in the Delhi-NCR region through retail outlets at reduced rates by Friday of this week.

The release centers were chosen based on the absolute rise in retail prices over the previous month in areas where prices are higher than the All-India average. Key consumption sites in states with a greater number of recognized centers are chosen for the intervention.

Production Seasons of Tomatoes

Tomatoes are grown in practically every state in India but in varied quantities. The southern and western parts of India produce the most, accounting for 56%-58% of total Indian output.

Because the southern and western areas are surplus states, they feed to other markets based on production seasons.

Production seasons fluctuate among areas as well. The harvesting season is at its best from December through February. Tomato output is normally low during the months of July-August and October-November.

July, which coincides with monsoon season, adds to distribution issues and increased transit losses, contributing to price increases.

Current Supply

Currently, supplies arriving in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and other states are primarily from Maharashtra, particularly Satara, Narayangaon, and Nashik, and are projected to last till the end of the month. Madanapalle (Chittoor) in Andhra Pradesh has also seen a steady influx of visitors. Arrivals in Delhi-NCR are mostly from Himachal Pradesh, with few from Kolar in Karnataka.

Arrival of New Crop

New crop arrivals from the Nashik district are expected shortly. Furthermore, extra supply is expected from the Narayangaon and Aurangabad belts in August. Arrivals from Madhya Pradesh are also likely to begin. Prices are expected to fall in the near future as a result.

Price Spikes

Tomato price seasonality is mostly caused by the cycle of planting and harvesting seasons, as well as regional variance. Aside from typical price seasonality, transitory supply chain delays, and crop loss due to bad weather conditions, among other things, can cause price spikes.

Recently, Tomato prices have risen due to high temperatures and an unexpected spike in gasoline expenses. Farmers are unable to deliver an appropriate number of crops due to the extreme heat.

Hot summer days and a lack of rain are harming crops, making tomato supplies scarcer.