TGC seeks innovative, scalable solutions to stabilize the tomato supply chain.
- It was launched in 2023 by the Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with Ministry of Education (Innovation Cell).
- Tomatoes, along with Onions and Potatoes (collectively referred as (TOPs) have seen huge fluctuations in agriculture commodities among all crops.
About TOPs
- TOPs are the largest cultivated, produced, and consumed vegetables in India.
- TOPs make up more than a third of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) vegetables category.
Issues associated with wide fluctuation of TOPs prices
- Seasonal production: Lean seasons cause supply shortages and high prices, while bumper harvests result in low prices.
- Natural Factors: Weather shocks and pest attacks exacerbate volatility.
- Storage Accessibility: Limited storage facilities (mostly privately owned) which are concentrated in a few states including U.P, Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat (CII report).
- Unorganised Market: Lack of robust networks like milk cooperatives to seamlessly connect producers to consumers for TOP.
- Issues in implementing Operation Greens: Diverse varieties of TOPs and growing conditions complicate marketing interventions.
Initiatives for Price stabilisation of TOP
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