Question : PRICE OF TOMATO

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)

(a) to (c): Wholesale prices of tomato in the four metros namely Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata during the last six months (June to November 12) are as under:

(Rs. per quintal)
Month	Delhi	Mumbai	Chennai (Local)	Kolkata (Local)
June	800	1000	2000	2200
July	1800	1500	2000	2500
August	1400	1150	1500	2400
September	1400	800	1200	1800
October	900	600	1500	1500
November	900	700	2000	1500

(d) to (e): There has been a mixed trend in the prices of tomato over the last six months. Weather and seasonal factors affect the prices of vegetables including tomato. The prices are largely influenced by market forces like different layers in the distribution channels, lack of market integration, transport and handling costs, wholesalers and retailers margin, role of middlemen, packing expenses, etc. Due to inefficiency in the transmission mechanism from the wholesale to retail market and vice versa also prices are affected.

(f): To enhance the production and productivity of horticulture crops including tomato, the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation (DAC) is providing assistance to the farmers under National Horticulture Mission and Horticulture Mission for North-East and Himalayan States (HMNEH). The infrastructure facilities created under the Mission have helped in production and supply of quality planting material and also in improving the production and productivity of horticulture crops.

Further, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has launched a scheme on Vegetable Initiative for Urban Cluster (VIUC) with an outlay of Rs. 300.00 crore, during 2011-12, within the overall aegis of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). The scheme is being continued during 2012-13 with an outlay of Rs. 300.00 crore. The Scheme covers all aspects relating to formation of farmers’ association/groups, training/capacity building of farmers, linking farmers group with aggregators/markets, vegetable production and supply to urban centers starting from planting material to marketing to retail level.