To curb the rising tomato prices in India, the following measures can be taken:
1. Increase production: Encourage farmers to expand tomato cultivation by providing them with technical assistance, training programs, and subsidies on inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation facilities.
2. Improve post-harvest infrastructure: Develop and upgrade cold storage facilities, transportation networks, and processing units to minimize wastage and ensure a smooth supply chain.
3. Promote contract farming: Facilitate partnerships between farmers and agribusiness companies to ensure a consistent demand and supply of tomatoes at reasonable prices.
4. Implement price controls: Set a maximum retail price for tomatoes to prevent excessive price hikes and ensure accessibility for consumers.
5. Encourage alternative crops: Promote the cultivation of alternative crops that can substitute for tomatoes, reducing dependency and easing the pressure on tomato prices.
6. Boost imports: Facilitate the import of tomatoes from neighboring countries during periods of scarcity to stabilize prices in the domestic market.
7. Streamline distribution channels: Regulate middlemen and reduce intermediaries in the supply chain to minimize price manipulation and ensure fair prices for both farmers and consumers.
8. Increase awareness and consumption: Conduct campaigns to educate consumers about the nutritional value of tomatoes and promote their increased consumption, creating a steady demand that can positively impact prices.
It is important to note that these measures should be implemented in a holistic manner, considering the specific requirements and challenges of the tomato industry in India.