Haryana assures farmers Rs 4 a kilo for tomato, Rs 5 for onion

CHANDIGARH: The Haryana government promised that it would ensure farmers get at least Rs 4 a kilogram for tomato and Rs 5 a kg for onion during the kharif season.

The state will support prices of tomato and onion under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, a scheme announced by the Manohar Lal government to cover the price deficit of crops for farmers.

Volatile prices of tomato and onion, two essential ingredients in Indian cuisine, have been a major concern for farmers as well as consumers. Farmers often don’t get remunerative prices, even when prices rise in the retail level.


Under the scheme, the government will compensate farmers if the price drops below Rs 4 a kg for tomato and Rs 5 for onion. Two other horticulture crops, potato and cauliflower, will be covered during the rabi season.

Meanwhile, the state will begin a process, stretching a month from February 15, to authenticate the cultivated area under these crops.

All district revenue officials have been directed to assist horticulture officers to complete area authentication of farmers registered under the scheme, Abhilaksh Likhi, principal secretary at the state department for agriculture and farmer welfare, said on Thursday.

While four crops — potato, onion, tomato and cauliflower — are covered under the scheme, at present only the area of onion and tomato will to be verified, he said.