Erratic Rise in Tomato Prices, Status, Issues, Government Initiatives and Policy Suggestions to Manage the prices of Tomato and other Vegetables

Tomatoes, hold a paramount position in both Indian cuisine and the nation's economy. The status of tomato area and production in India and in states show its importance in Indian economy. India is leading tomato producer in the world. In India, MP and Andhra Pradesh are the largest producer of tomato in India. The erratic weather conditions, pest attack and transport bottlenecks have raised the tomato prices in June to August 2023. In this regard, the paper is to analyze the status and issues in erratic rise in tomato prices, government initiatives and Policy suggestions to manage the prices of tomato and other vegetables. In the study, it is found that the number of reasons that has led to rise in prices starting from poor prices received for tomato for rabi crop, rise in temperature in May – June and to high rainfall in July end. Government has then initiated number of needed measures to support both producers and consumers from creating the awareness, purchase of produce from surplus areas and then distribution of produce in high price areas. To prevent the abnormal price situations in tomatoes or other vegetables, there is need of a multi-pronged approach involving both short-term relief and long-term strategies. As a policy suggestion, to combat such crisis in future, a collaborative effort and coordination required among government agencies, weather departments, agricultural experts, extension machinery and farmers themselves is essential.