The Indian government is in discussions with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to launch an online platform offering subsidized tomatoes to consumers at Rs 70 per kg, according to reliable sources. The initiative is being spearheaded by the National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED).
ONDC, established on December 31, 2021, operates beyond the conventional platform-centric digital commerce model, enabling buyers and sellers to conduct business transactions without being confined to a single platform or application.
Currently, the online sale of subsidized tomatoes is undergoing testing, and if successful, the government plans to roll out the service initially for residents of Delhi-NCR. This move aims to address the sharp increase in tomato prices, which have surged to as high as Rs 150–200 per kg in key cities, causing concerns for consumers.
In response to the rising prices, the central government has already directed NAFED and NCCF to reduce the selling price of tomatoes from Rs 80 to Rs 70 per kg. The tomatoes are being procured from various mandis (wholesale markets) in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra to be distributed in major consumption centers where retail prices have seen the most significant surge in the past month.
The surge in tomato prices has been attributed to the monsoon season, which has created challenges in distribution and increased transit losses. By introducing subsidized tomatoes through ONDC, the government aims to provide much-needed relief to consumers and make this essential commodity more accessible at an affordable price.