Wine from tomatoes? Govt to fund 28 projects
Transforming Tomato Waste into Innovation
India is the second-largest producer of tomatoes in the world. However, the country faces a significant challenge with tomato waste. Approximately 30-35% of tomatoes are lost each year due to various factors in the supply chain. This loss not only impacts farmers but also affects consumers, leading to price volatility. To tackle these issues, the Department of Consumer Affairs launched the Tomato Grand Challenge (TGC) on June 30, 2023. The initiative aims to stabilize the tomato supply chain and promote innovative solutions to reduce waste. Recently, the department announced a list of 28 innovators selected from 1,376 submissions. These innovators have developed creative ways to utilize tomato waste, including producing pesticides, packaging materials, and even tomato-based wine.
Addressing the Tomato Supply Chain Challenges
The Tomato Grand Challenge was initiated to address the pressing issues within India’s tomato supply chain. The goal is to ensure year-round affordability for consumers while providing better prices for farmers. Seasonal fluctuations in tomato prices create significant challenges for both producers and consumers. Prices typically drop between December and March due to larger harvests but can spike from July to November when production decreases. This volatility often leads to market saturation, causing farmers to incur substantial losses.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare emphasized the importance of the selected innovators. She noted that their projects focus on reducing post-harvest losses, improving storage methods, and adding value to surplus tomatoes. By funding these innovators, the TGC aims to create sustainable solutions that benefit both farmers and consumers. The initiative not only seeks to stabilize prices but also encourages the development of innovative products that can help manage surplus tomatoes effectively.
Innovative Solutions: From Wine to Bio-Pesticides
Among the innovative solutions emerging from the Tomato Grand Challenge, the production of tomato wine stands out. This unique idea has the potential to transform the tomato value chain by extending shelf life and minimizing waste. Khare highlighted that such innovations will significantly benefit farmers, allowing them to avoid discarding their produce during price crashes. Binod Anand, Secretary-General of the Confederation of NGOs of Rural India, echoed this sentiment, stating that tomato wine could help manage surplus tomatoes that are often wasted due to spoilage.
In addition to wine, the TGC supports various other projects. These include bio-pesticides made from tomato waste, advancements in cold storage technologies, and improved packaging methods to enhance product longevity. These solutions are designed to address logistical and economic challenges faced by tomato farmers. By reducing pesticide residue, these innovations also contribute to cleaner and safer produce for consumers. The funding provided to innovators ranges from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh, depending on the specific needs of each project.
The Future of Tomato Farming in India
The Tomato Grand Challenge has already yielded promising results, including the creation of intellectual property such as 14 patents and four design registrations. This initiative is expected to serve as a model for addressing similar challenges in other agricultural sectors. By fostering innovation and encouraging sustainable practices, the TGC aims to create a more resilient tomato supply chain.
As the selected innovators work on their projects, the potential benefits for farmers and consumers alike are significant. Farmers can expect better prices for their produce throughout the year, while consumers will have access to more reliable and healthier tomato-based products. The TGC represents a crucial step toward reducing waste and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in India. With continued support and innovation, the future of tomato farming in the country looks promising.
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