According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), tomato prices have reached Rs 80 per kg. A Bengaluru-based institute has developed two new hybrid varieties that can keep prices stable in the future. The specialty of these hybrid varieties is that they do not spoil for 3 weeks, which is much more than the traditional 7-10 days. This can help in the stability of production in conditions of irregular weather and heavy rains.
The Director General of ICAR said that they have developed a hybrid variety whose 'shelf life' is 3 weeks. He explains that climate change often affects the production of major vegetables, so the non-perishable period of the crop is being increased to reduce fluctuations in its support.
According to IIHR scientists, India's first triple disease resistant tomato F-1 hybrid Arka Rakshak is currently being grown in 7,000 hectares. It has the characteristic of being resistant to many diseases and has been licensed to 11 companies during 2012-22.
Tomato is cultivated in 8-10 lakh hectares in India, but the exact data on the coverage of these hybrid varieties is unclear. It is up to the government to promote this innovation and help consumers deal with high prices.
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