PNS|Vijayawada
In an effort to alleviate the burden of skyrocketing tomato prices on consumers, the State government has launched an initiative to sell tomatoes at a subsidised rate of Rs 50 per kg. The scheme is being implemented at select Rythu Bazaars in Kadapa and Kurnool, with a gradual expansion strategy in place to cover all districts across the State.
The surge in tomato prices has been attributed to a supply-demand imbalance, partly due to unseasonal rains affecting crop production in major growing regions. To address this situation, the government has established a system to procure tomatoes based on market demand and arrivals at the Madanapalle market, a crucial source of supplies. Efforts are underway to ensure a consistent and improved supply of tomatoes to all Rythu Bazaars in the coming days.
The fluctuating prices of tomatoes in the open market have posed challenges.
To counter the rising prices, the government has decided to procure tomatoes based on the indents submitted by Rythu Bazaars, without imposing any restrictions on the quantity of tomatoes sold to consumers at the subsidized rate. Rythu Bazaar officials have already placed indents for 10 tonnes of tomatoes, expecting their arrival by Friday.
In response to concerns, the Assistant Director of Agricultural Marketing, Visakhapatnam, has assured the public that information regarding the availability of subsidized tomatoes at Rythu Bazaars will be provided one day in advance. This measure aims to ensure transparency and equitable access to subsidized produce. CEO of Rythu Bazaars, Nanda Kishore, reiterated this commitment, assuring the public that advance information about the availability of subsidized tomatoes will be readily available.
This initiative by the State government to sell tomatoes at a subsidized rate exemplifies its dedication to the welfare of its citizens, particularly during periods of price volatility and economic strain. By taking steps to stabilize prices and ensure the availability of essential commodities, the government aims to provide much-needed relief to the people of Andhra Pradesh.
