Pune, 12th July 2023: Maharashtra Agriculture Commissioner Sunil Chavan chaired a review meeting in Pune to address the recent surge in tomato prices in the market. The meeting, attended by Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities, Research Directors, and District Superintendent Agricultural Officers, aimed to assess the situation and devise appropriate solutions to alleviate the challenges faced by tomato farmers.
During the meeting, Commissioner Chavan stressed the importance of promptly gathering information on the current area under tomato cultivation and production in the ongoing kharif season. In Maharashtra, tomato cultivation usually takes place on an area of 56 to 57 thousand hectares, with approximately 40 to 42 thousand hectares dedicated to the kharif season and 16 to 17 thousand hectares for the rabi and summer seasons. This typically results in a production of around 10 lakh tons.
However, the tomato prices experienced a significant decline between December 2022 and May 2023, which seemingly had an impact on the cultivation of new tomato crops. Additionally, unseasonal rains and hailstorms from March to May caused damage to tomato and other vegetable crops, leading to a decrease in overall production. The delayed arrival of rains this year, with only 54 percent of the average rainfall received, has further hampered cultivation, as stated by Commissioner Chavan.
To address the situation, immediate measures for pest and disease prevention in tomato crops were emphasized during the meeting. Major tomato cultivation regions such as Nashik, Pune, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Aurangabad, Latur, and Nagpur districts were instructed to provide detailed reports on new plantings to their respective District Superintendent Agricultural Officers.
The meeting concluded with a collective effort to tackle the tomato price hike and mitigate the challenges faced by tomato farmers in the state. The Maharashtra Agriculture Commissioner’s Office is actively working on implementing necessary measures to support tomato cultivation and ensure the well-being of farmers. By addressing the issues related to pests, diseases, and weather conditions, the aim is to stabilize tomato prices and create a conducive environment for tomato farmers to thrive.
The state government, along with agricultural authorities, is committed to supporting farmers and facilitating their access to necessary resources and knowledge. By fostering collaboration and implementing strategic measures, Maharashtra aims to overcome the current challenges in tomato cultivation and ensure a sustainable and profitable future for its farmers.
