There are several methods the Centre can consider to curb the rising prices of tomatoes. Here are some possible ideas: 1. Increased production: Encouraging farmers to increase tomato cultivation through subsidies, providing high-quality seeds, and agricultural training.

• Invest in research and development to improve tomato crop yields and resistance to diseases to ensure consistent supply.
• Expand support for greenhouse farming techniques to facilitate year-round cultivation.

2. Reduce wastage: Develop initiatives to minimize post-harvest losses during storage, transportation, and distribution.

• Implement better infrastructure and cold chain facilities to preserve tomato quality and reduce spoilage.
• Encourage farmer cooperatives to collectively manage storage and distribution, reducing losses and ensuring fair prices.

3. Price regulation and market control:

• Monitor prices regularly and devise a mechanism to determine fair prices for tomatoes based on production costs and market dynamics.
• Crack down on hoarding and black market activities to ensure a fair distribution system.

4. Promote alternative solutions:

• Promote the cultivation of alternative vegetables as substitutes for tomatoes to diversify both production and consumption.
• Encourage the use of processed tomato products during times of scarcity to reduce demand pressure on fresh tomatoes.

5. Public awareness and education:

• Launch public campaigns to educate consumers about the importance of balanced diets and alternatives to tomatoes to reduce excessive demand.
• Raise awareness about the need to reduce food wastage and provide cooking tips to maximize the use of tomatoes.

By implementing these strategies in a comprehensive manner, the Centre can work towards controlling the rising prices of tomatoes and ensuring their availability at reasonable rates for the public.