After onion & pulses, soaring price of tomatoes leave govt red-faced; common man suffers

After onion and pulses, this time tomatoes have worried the Union Government, which finally has come out with a new excuse, this time unprecedented rainfall in southern States.

Sources in the Consumer Affair Ministry said, “Marginal increase in the prices of onions in the past week and in the prices of tomatoes is largely on account of disruption of supplies from the Southern States which have witnessed severe, unprecedented rainfall over the last one week. These increases are expected to be temporary and normal supplies should resume soon.”s

“Prices of tomatoes is largely hitting to common people as its price is hovering around Rupees 40 to 60 per kg,” said a consumer Anil Kumar. Around 15 days back its price was around 20 to 25 Rupees per Kg. Onion prices have also been increased after a short respite. On the other hand, prices of pulses have still not reached to purchasing level of commoners said his wife Anita.

 “The arrivals of the new crops of tomatoes are expected to ease prices. There is a moderate increase in prices during September-December due to demand-supply mismatch. The Government is working closely with the State Governments to ensure that quick action is taken to prevent any abnormal increase in prices and to ensure adequate availability of essential commodities,” said a highly placed source in the Ministry.

A high-level review of the prices of essential commodities and their availability and measures required to be taken is scheduled to be held on 18.11.2015. Besides, reviewing the de-hoarding operations on pulses and steps taken by State Governments to improve the availability of Pulses at reasonable prices, the meeting is expected to also review the progress in the procurement of pulses aimed at building a buffer stock. 

Photo courtesy: fruitworldmedia.com

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