The unavailability of low-cost tomatoes has become a hurdle in the setting up of processing units in Solan, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Baldev Bhandari, chairman, HP State Agricultural Marketing Board, said though announcements had been made to open such processing units, the unviability of the plan had acted as a deterrent.
“The cost is Rs 10 to Rs 15 per kg, but tomato processing will be viable if the cost is Rs 5 per kg. Since this cost will fail to meet the farmer’s inputs, processing units have not been set up,” said Bhandari.
Tomato is the main cash crop of Solan and the successive state governments have been promising the opening of processing centres for years.
Source: tribuneindia.com