In order to tackle the rising tomato prices, the government of Andhra Pradesh has taken steps to make tomatoes affordable and accessible to the people of the state. The state government’s agriculture marketing department (AMD) has started selling tomatoes at Rs 50 per kg at 103 rythu bazaars across the state.
With tomato prices reaching an alarming Rs 100 per kilogram, the government has recognized the burden faced by consumers and aims to provide relief through this initiative. Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has directed the agriculture marketing department to take all necessary measures to ensure the availability of tomatoes at affordable rates.
In order to meet the demands of the people, the state government has set a target of procuring 50 tonnes of tomatoes on a daily basis. This steady supply of tomatoes will ensure that consumers have access to this essential vegetable without straining their budgets.
To effectively monitor the prices of agricultural commodities, the Agriculture Marketing Department utilizes the Continuous Monitoring of Agriculture Prices and Procurement (CMAPP) system. This system allows for the daily tracking of prices at every Rythu Bharosa Kendra (RBK). When prices are observed to be low, intervention orders are issued to procure the commodities from farmers at the minimum support price (MSP). These timely interventions not only support the farmers but also help stabilize the market.
Furthermore, the 103 Ryutu Bazar Kendra scattered across the state play a crucial role in ensuring fair prices for vegetables, benefiting both the farmers and consumers alike. By facilitating a direct connection between farmers and consumers, these market centers eliminate intermediaries, resulting in better returns for farmers and more affordable produce for consumers.
Acknowledging the impact of rising tomato prices on households, the government has already procured approximately 100 tonnes of tomatoes to date. These tomatoes have been made available at various Rythu Bazars, ensuring that consumers can access this essential ingredient at subsidized prices.
The agriculture marketing department intends to continue its procurement efforts until market prices stabilize. This sustained commitment by the government aims to alleviate the burden on consumers and ensure the availability of tomatoes at affordable rates throughout the state.
