Value Chain Strategies for Stabilization of Tomato Prices in India -A Case Study

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most extensively cultivated and consumed vegetables in India. It is a highly demanded vegetable and consumed throughout the year due to its high nutrient content, which offers multiple health benefits. Tomatoes are highly perishable due to their high moisture content and have a short shelf life of 2-3 days at ambient conditions. Tomato faces significant post-harvest losses ranging from 15- 25% in the value chain. Moreover, the tomato price in the Indian market is very unstable. During the season, wholesale prices normally range from Rs. 6-10; off-season wholesale prices exceeded Rs. 100 per kg, while the retail price crossed Rs 200 per kg. To minimize the post-harvest losses and also to stabilize the tomato prices in India, a study was conducted to identify different strategies that are essential to stabilize the prices of tomatoes in the tomato value chain in India. In this study, primary data were collected from farmers, traders, retailers, tomato processing industries, tomato seed suppliers, experts, and scientists. While secondary data were collected from several published research papers, reports, and documents of Govt policies, plans, and programs, etc. In this study, compiled views of farmers, input suppliers, traders, seed and tomato processing industries, experts and scientists. From the secondary data, probable solutions for tomato price fluctuations were identified, and several recommendations were drawn from this study. Among these recommendations, a few important ones are recorded as an urgent need for replacement of low-yielding varieties, promoting the formation of FPOs and cooperatives, and strengthening the infrastructure with government support in the tomato value chain.