NCCF to Offer Tomatoes at ₹60/kg Amidst Price Surge
In an effort to combat the soaring retail prices of tomatoes, which recently hit ₹100 per kg, the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) has announced a special initiative. Starting from July 29, tomatoes will be sold at a discounted rate of ₹60 per kg at various strategic locations. The initiative is designed to provide relief to consumers reeling under the pressure of escalating prices. The designated locations for this sale 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 decision to offer tomatoes at reduced rates comes in the wake of a significant hike in their prices across Delhi, where rates soared to ₹100 per kg last week. This sudden price jump has primarily been attributed to unfavourable weather conditions impacting tomato supplies nationwide. The extreme heat spells followed by excessive rainfall have severely disrupted the agricultural supply chain, leading to reduced availability and increased prices.
Current market data reflect this trend, showing a marked increase in tomato prices. As of July 20, the retail price of tomatoes in Delhi stood at ₹93 per kg, while the national average was calculated at ₹73.76 per kg. This was noted by the Department of Consumer Affairs, which has been closely monitoring the situation. According to a senior official from the Department, the prices of essential vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and onions have seen a steep increase due to disrupted supplies resulting from the aforementioned adverse weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Mother Dairy’s Safal outlets have also been affected, selling tomatoes at the peak rate of ₹100 per kg in Delhi. This price hike is not limited to tomatoes alone; other essential vegetables have seen a rise in prices as well, with onions and potatoes being sold at ₹46.90 per kg and ₹41.90 per kg, respectively, at West Delhi’s Mother Dairy stores. This is in contrast to the government’s recorded rates of ₹50 per kg for onions and ₹40 per kg for potatoes in Delhi, with the national averages slightly lower at ₹44.16 per kg for onions and ₹37.22 per kg for potatoes.
The initiative by NCCF to offer tomatoes at a significantly reduced price is a welcomestep towards providing some respite to the consumers. With this move, the federation aims to stabilize the market rates and ensure that the essential vegetable remains accessible to the average consumer despite the ongoing supply chain challenges.
