Traders sceptical of govt steps as onion, tomato prices hit season's highs

This is largely because the surge in recent weeks is due to the rains in Maharashtra, which could impact kharif harvest if they continue unabated

With the prices of two politically-sensitive commodities, onions and tomatoes, bouncing back to touch the season’s highs, the government has initiated immediate policy interventions to rein in prices. However traders are sceptical of prices coming under control, as the surge in recent weeks is due to the rains in Maharashtra, which could impact the kharif harvest if they continue unabated.

The Department of Consumer Affairs, through an inter-ministerial committee, reviewed the prevailing prices and availability of onions and tomatoes on Friday, expressing satisfaction over the increase in supply at the wholesale mandis. The committee hoped the two commoditoes would start becoming