Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed the measures adopted by the central government to counter the surge in tomato prices within the nation. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister disclosed that the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Limited (NCCF) will vend tomatoes at a rate of Rs. 70 in the Delhi-NCR region.

"In the upcoming weekend, NCCF intends to conduct a special tomato sale across every nook and cranny of Delhi-NCR, offering the product at a subsidized cost of Rs. 70," the Finance Minister declared within the parliamentary session.

Elaborating on the process, the Finance Minister clarified that tomatoes are being sourced from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, to be subsequently disseminated via cooperative institutions like NCCF and NAFED. She also noted that this mechanism has been operational in states such as Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan since July 14.

"Highlighting the pivotal aspect that we are ensuring sufficient actions on these essential commodities, yet remaining attuned to the necessity of further steps, as we acknowledge the public's requirement for affordable essentials," she appended.

Furthermore, Minister Sitharaman conveyed that the government has initiated tomato imports from Nepal by lifting the import restrictions. The initial batch of tomatoes is projected to arrive in Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur by Friday.

During the Lok Sabha's debate on the no-confidence motion, Finance Minister Sitharaman spotlighted the accomplishments of the Modi government. She extolled Prime Minister Modi's leadership and underscored the 'economic transformation' instated by the present administration.

In addition, she drew attention to the global economic challenges impeding various nations, including surging inflation rates and sluggish growth. FM Sitharaman also highlighted the tribulations encountered by certain developed nations. Quoting her statement, "The United Kingdom's ongoing struggle, marked by the Bank of England's consecutive 14 interest rate hikes, and the European Central Bank contending with elevated inflation, resulting in nine interest rate hikes, the highest in 23 years."

RBI MPC Meet: Shaktikanta Das States Rs 2,000 Note Withdrawal as Temporary Step

RBI MPC Meeting August 2023 - Full Speech by Governor Shaktikanta Das