To counteract the recent rise in prices for tomatoes and onion, the government of the state has launched a program to provide these vital fruits and vegetables for less by way of Rythu Bazaars. This comes following an increase in the prices which saw onion prices rise from between Rs 55 and Rs 70 per kilogram and tomatoes ranging from the price of Rs 90 for a kilogram. The Minister of Agriculture K Atchennaidu convened with officials of the horticulture and marketing departments to review the situation and come up with instructions to ensure that prices remain stable within Rythu Bazaars throughout 13 districts. The price of tomatoes will be the price of Rs 50 for a kilogram as well as onions offered at a price of between $45 per kilo. This initiative will allow direct purchase of these crops by farmers to reduce the cost. The government has announced plans to acquire 1.35 lakh tonnes of tomatoes and 21,000 kilograms of onions in order to be distributed. “Prices for these two important fruits will be in the lower end of the spectrum,” affirmed Atchennaidu.

Source: INDIAN EXPRESS