31 C Agriculture / The Economic Times
The government is set to offer subsidised tomatoes via NCCF and NAFED. This action addresses the recent price surge caused by heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh. These rains damaged crops and disrupted transportation. Tomato prices in Delhi NCR have already doubled, exceeding 60 per kilogram. The government aims to sell tomatoes for under 50 per kg.
Despite the newly imposed 26% tariff by the U.S. on Indian goods, agricultural economist Ashok Gulati believes India may maintain or even expand its agricultural exports to the U.S. compared to regional competitors facing higher tariffs. With countries like China (34%), Vietnam (46%), and Thailand (36%) facing steeper duties, India holds a relative tariff advantage, especially in seafood and rice exports.
India has invoked the peace clause at the WTO for the sixth time after exceeding the 10% subsidy ceiling for its rice farmers, reaching around 12% with $6.81 billion in subsidies. The country explained that the support is aimed at ensuring food security for its poor and vulnerable population.