Govt plans to sell subsidised tomatoes

New Delhi: The government plans to sell tomatoes at subsidised prices through NCCF and NAFED to curb a sudden increase in prices following heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, damaging crops and road network, impacting arrivals of the crop in key wholesale markets in Delhi NCR.

Tomato prices crossed ₹60 per kilogram in retail markets across NCR, doubling in the last few days, said traders in Azadpur and Sahibabad wholesale markets.

As per government data, tomato prices have risen to ₹39.35 per kg on July 4, from ₹35.93 per kg a week ago-an increase of 9.51%.

"We will sell tomatoes for less than ₹50 per kg," said an official, adding that the process would start in the next few days. The government will procure tomatoes from producing centres in southern parts of the country. Harvest-ready vegetables have been damaged by torrential rains in Himachal Pradesh for the past several days, said several traders in Azadpur Mandi and Sahibabad Mandi.