ICAR's Hybrid Tomatoes Promise Market Stability as Prices Surge

Tomato prices in India have surged to Rs 80 per kilogram, prompting a Bengaluru-based institute to introduce two hybrid varieties. These hybrids, developed under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), could help prevent future price hikes. However, their success depends on wider adoption and increased cultivation.

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Arka Rakshak and Arka Abedh, the hybrid tomatoes developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), have a shelf life of up to three weeks. This is significantly longer than the conventional 7-10 days. This extended shelf life could stabilise supply chains disrupted by erratic weather, especially the heavy rainfall affecting tomato-growing regions this season.

Hybrid Varieties and Their Benefits

ICAR Director General Himanshu Pathak highlighted the need to expand the cultivation area for these varieties. "We have developed a tomato variety that has a longer shelf life of three weeks. We need to expand the area under these varieties," Pathak said during the institute's 96th Foundation and Technology Day celebrations.

Pathak also noted that climatic changes often impact the production of staple vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and onions. ICAR's research aims to increase crop shelf life to mitigate supply fluctuations and price volatility.

Arka Rakshak, India's first triple disease-resistant tomato F1 hybrid developed in 2012, is currently grown on 7,000 hectares. IIHR senior scientist Chandrashekar C. mentioned that the hybrid technology has been licensed to 11 companies. These companies are estimated to have made a turnover of Rs 3,600 crores from seed sales between 2012 and 2022.

Government Initiatives and Market Impact

Arka Abedh, released three years ago, offers an even longer shelf life of three weeks and is suitable for distant markets. Both varieties resist multiple diseases, including Tomato Leaf Curl Virus, Bacterial Wilt, and Early Blight.

The success of these hybrids in stabilising market prices will largely depend on government initiatives to promote wider adoption among farmers. IIHR has recently partnered with the National Seed Corporation to increase seed sales and coverage.

Tomato cultivation in India spans 8-10 lakh hectares. However, exact data on the coverage of these two varieties remains unclear, making it challenging to plan future expansion.

Consumer Impact and Future Prospects

With consumers facing high vegetable prices, it is now up to the government to leverage this agricultural innovation for public benefit. According to government data, retail tomato prices were between Rs 80-83 per kilogram in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata on Monday. Similar trends were observed in other consuming centres.

The development of these long-shelf-life tomatoes highlights the potential of agricultural research in addressing market volatility. However, their impact will only be felt if there is a concerted effort to increase awareness, adoption, and cultivation areas among farmers across India's diverse agro-climatic zones.

The introduction of these hybrid varieties underscores the importance of agricultural innovation in stabilising markets. Yet, their success hinges on effective promotion and widespread adoption among farmers.