What measures can be taken to curb the rising tomato prices in India

Centre invites ideas from public to curb tomato prices.
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.
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