Key Points
- The government has funded 28 creative ideas to stabilize the tomato supply chain.
- One idea is to make wine from tomatoes, which offers health benefits and supports a circular economy.
- Other ideas include solar-powered storage units and eco-friendly packaging made from tomato waste.
- The Tomato Grand Challenge hackathon, launched in June 2023, received 1,376 ideas, 28 of which were selected for funding.
- One patented product, “Tomatolixir,” is a non-chemical solution designed to improve plant growth and soil health.
Looma News
Price swings and oversupply of tomatoes have long been a problem for both consumers and farmers. To help fix these issues, the Indian government has backed 28 creative ideas chosen from the Tomato Grand Challenge (TGC) hackathon. The aim is to stabilize the tomato supply chain and offer sustainable solutions to prevent price changes.
One standout idea is making wine from tomatoes. This product, which uses traditional fermentation, is not only expected to boost the health benefits of tomatoes but also contribute to a zero-waste economy. After making the wine, the leftovers will be used to create nutrient-rich compost, adding more value to the tomato supply chain beyond just food products.
Another important innovation is a solar-powered storage unit to deal with the short shelf life of tomatoes. India produces about 20 million tonnes of tomatoes every year, but they typically spoil in 15-21 days, even under the best conditions. The new storage unit would let tomatoes be stored in vehicles during transport, using solar energy to power fans and keep them at the right temperature. The unit also uses a special multi-layered wall system with insulation to prevent spoilage.
Additionally, the hackathon has led to the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions, like a water-resistant coating made from tomato waste. This could replace plastic packaging and reduce the environmental impact of food delivery.
One particularly interesting product is “Tomatolixir,” a non-chemical solution that helps improve soil health and plant growth. This product, which has already been patented, is designed to tackle the issue of foliar pathogens in tomato farming.
The government has invested about ₹76 lakh to support these 28 projects, some of which are already patented. The hope is that these innovations will help create a more stable tomato supply chain, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
