Centre announced “funding and mentorship” for winners of 'Tomato Grand Challenge (TGC)' | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Centre announced “funding and mentorship” for winners of 'Tomato Grand Challenge (TGC)'

Posted 28 Nov 2024

2 min read

TGC seeks innovative, scalable solutions to stabilize the tomato supply chain.

  • It was launched in 2023 by the Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with Ministry of Education (Innovation Cell).
  • Tomatoes, along with Onions and Potatoes (collectively referred as (TOPs) have seen huge fluctuations in agriculture commodities among all crops.

About TOPs

  • TOPs are the largest cultivated, produced, and consumed vegetables in India.
  • TOPs make up more than a third of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) vegetables category.

Issues associated with wide fluctuation of TOPs prices 

  • Seasonal production: Lean seasons cause supply shortages and high prices, while bumper harvests result in low prices.
  • Natural Factors: Weather shocks and pest attacks exacerbate volatility.
  • Storage Accessibility: Limited storage facilities (mostly privately owned) which are concentrated in a few states including U.P, Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat (CII report). 
  • Unorganised Market: Lack of robust networks like milk cooperatives to seamlessly connect producers to consumers for TOP. 
  • Issues in implementing Operation Greens: Diverse varieties of TOPs and growing conditions complicate marketing interventions.

Initiatives for Price stabilisation of TOP                 

  • Operation Greens: It was launched on the lines of Operation Flood to address price volatility of TOPs and it was extended to other fruits & vegetables (TOP to TOTAL). 
  • Gramin Agricultural Markets (GRAMs): Rural haats (village markets) are being developed into Gramin Agricultural Markets (GRAMs) for farmers to directly sell their produce
  • Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): For holistic development of horticulture and assists with a low-cost onion storage structure.
  • Other initiatives: Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) for rural godowns, Kisan Rail service, Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF), etc.
  • Tags :
  • TOPs
  • Tomato Grand Challenge (TGC)
  • Operation Greens
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