In response to the soaring tomato prices nationwide, Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi has unveiled a new initiative to offer tomatoes at a subsidised rate through the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF). This move aims to provide relief to consumers in Delhi-NCR amid the price surge.
Under this program, tomatoes will be available for Rs 60 per kilogram at various strategic locations across Delhi-NCR, effective immediately.
“Starting today, tomatoes will be sold at Rs 60 per kilogram,” Joshi announced.
The Centre has established a Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) to manage fluctuations in food prices and safeguard consumer interests. Joshi explained, “When essential commodity prices rise, we deploy the PSF to purchase these goods directly from farmers, cutting out intermediary costs and ensuring that consumers have access to affordable prices.”
However, in this instance, the PSF was not utilised since tomatoes were sourced directly from mandis. Joshi stressed that this approach would not only lower tomato prices but also stabilise the market.
Beginning today, the subsidised tomatoes will be sold at the following locations: Rajiv Chowk Metro, Patel Chowk Metro, Nehru Place, 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 76), Rohini, and Gurugram.
Additional locations may be introduced in the near future to further improve accessibility for consumers.
