In a significant move to address the recurring challenges of tomato price volatility and crop wastage, the Department of Consumer Affairs has funded 28 innovative projects under the Tomato Grand Challenge initiative. These projects aim to develop cost-effective solutions to stabilize prices, minimize losses, and enhance the supply chain for one of India’s most vital crops.
Announcing the initiative, Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, highlighted the potential of these technologies to revolutionize tomato processing in the country. “These low-cost interventions, adding an additional cost of as little as Re 1 or 50 paise per kg, will not only reduce wastage but also add value even to tomato waste,” she said during a press meet on Friday.
India, the world’s second-largest producer of tomatoes, harvests 20 million metric tons annually but processes only 1% of its produce. By contrast, other nations process 60-70%. To bridge this gap, the government expects the new technologies to significantly enhance domestic processing capabilities, reducing dependence on imports. Last year, India imported $20 million worth of canned and processed tomatoes, with 70% sourced from China.
The initiative comes against the backdrop of periodic spikes in tomato prices, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rains disrupt crops and logistics. Prices peaked this year at Rs 80-85 per kg, underscoring the urgent need for supply chain efficiencies.
The prototypes for the 28 selected solutions are now ready, with plans underway for scaling up these projects in partnership with the government. The aim is to boost processing capacity, improve price stability, and transform waste into valuable products, thereby benefiting farmers, consumers, and the industry alike.
This effort marks a significant step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in agricultural processing and reducing food waste.