‘No tomato price crash’

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu on Friday said the Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Information Management System (APAIMS) 2.0, introduced to ensure transparent and timely distribution of subsidised fertilisers, is being implemented successfully across the state.

He said that since June 8, urea and DAP fertilisers have been distributed through APAIMS 2.0 in all districts except Krishna and Kakinada. Under the new system, 48,588 metric tonnes of urea and 12,874 metric tonnes of DAP have been supplied to 2.97 lakh farmers.

According to the minister, APAIMS 2.0 has effectively curbed the diversion, illegal stocking and misuse of subsidised fertilisers by enabling real-time monitoring of stocks, supply and distribution. By integrating iFMS, APAIMS and physical inventory records, the platform ensures accurate stock management and greater transparency. Farmers facing issues related to fertiliser availability, quality, pricing or distribution can register complaints through the toll-free helpline 155251, he added.

Responding to reports of a tomato price crash, Atchannaidu said the claims were not supported by official market data. He said that at the Mulakalacheruvu Agricultural Market Committee on June 25, tomatoes fetched a minimum price of Rs 100, a maximum of Rs 210 and a modal price of Rs 180 per 10 kg. He cautioned against spreading unverified information, saying it could create unnecessary panic among farmers and disrupt markets.

The minister also dismissed reports that the Jain Mango Pulp Unit at Gangadhara Nellore in Chittoor district had remained shut for several days. Citing an official report, he said one of the two processing units had been operating continuously, while the second resumed operations within two days after a technical issue in the boiling section was rectified. Mango unloading was continuing normally and all required facilities were being provided to farmers, he said.