TN govt commence selling tomatoes from ration shops at half the price

Chennai, July 4 (BPNS)

In a bid to contain the spiraling prices of tomato, the government of Tamil Nadu has started selling tomatoes through ration shops or Public Distribution System (PDS) shops. To start with tomatoes will be available at a price of Rs 60 from 82 PDS shops. It is to be noted that tomato is costing Rs 120 to Rs 140 per kilogram in various parts of the state.

Sources in Tamil Nadu Civil supplies department told IANS that the sale of tomato is restricted to 1 kg per person.

IANS had earlier reported that Tamil Nadu would soon commence selling tomatoes through ration shops. The state minister for cooperatives, S. Periyakaruppan had chaired a meeting of officials at the state secretariat the other day to chalk out the finer points regarding the sale of tomatoes.

The minister told IANS that if the price of tomatoes continue to go upward, the government would initiate steps to procure more tomatoes and sell it at reduced prices so that the consumers are not affected.

The Tamil Nadu farm fresh outlets are also selling tomatoes in addition to the sale through ration shops.