TGC seeks innovative, scalable solutions to stabilize the tomato supply chain.

• It was launched in 2023 by the Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with Ministry of Education (Innovation Cell).
• Tomatoes, along with Onions and Potatoes (collectively referred as (TOPs) have seen huge fluctuations in agriculture commodities among all crops.

About TOPs

• TOPs are the largest cultivated, produced, and consumed vegetables in India.
• TOPs make up more than a third of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) vegetables category.

Issues associated with wide fluctuation of TOPs prices 

• Seasonal production: Lean seasons cause supply shortages and high prices, while bumper harvests result in low prices.
• Natural Factors: Weather shocks and pest attacks exacerbate volatility.
• Storage Accessibility: Limited storage facilities (mostly privately owned) which are concentrated in a few states including U.P, Punjab, West Bengal, Gujarat (CII report). 
• Unorganised Market: Lack of robust networks like milk cooperatives to seamlessly connect producers to consumers for TOP. 
• Issues in implementing Operation Greens: Diverse varieties of TOPs and growing conditions complicate marketing interventions.