Correspondent
In a significant move to ease the burden on consumers, the Centre has taken action to reduce the price of tomatoes, a staple ingredient in Indian households. Starting tomorrow, the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) will sell tomatoes at a rate of Rs 70 per kilogram. This decision comes as a response to the declining trend in tomato prices, providing much-needed relief to consumers.
The Department of Consumer Affairs played a pivotal role in directing NCCF and NAFED to lower the retail price of tomatoes to Rs 70/kg. Initially, these organizations had been selling tomatoes at Rs 90/kg, which was later reduced to Rs 80/kg on 16th July. With this further reduction, consumers will benefit even more as they can purchase this essential commodity at a more affordable price.
To ensure an adequate supply of tomatoes in major consumption centers, the Department of Consumer Affairs instructed NCCF and NAFED to procure tomatoes from mandis (wholesale markets) in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These states are known for tomato production, and this move helps distribute the produce efficiently to regions with the maximum increase in retail prices over the last month.
The retail sale of tomatoes, following the price cut, started on 14th July in Delhi-NCR, where consumers have been grappling with soaring prices for some time.
This decision by the Centre is expected to bring relief to households and the food industry, as tomatoes are an essential ingredient in various dishes. The move is also likely to have a positive impact on curbing inflation, as the prices of tomatoes often influence the overall inflation rate in the country.
With this reduction in tomato prices, the government aims to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the concerns of the common people and making essential commodities more accessible to everyone. It also reflects the government's efforts to stabilize the market and ensure a fair distribution of goods to the consumers.
As the prices of essential commodities continue to fluctuate due to various factors, the government remains vigilant and takes timely steps to mitigate any adverse effects on the economy and citizens' well-being.
Consumers can now look forward to enjoying their favorite tomato-based dishes without having to worry about the strain on their wallets. The price cut is undoubtedly a welcome respite for households across the country, providing a glimmer of hope during these challenging times.