New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with the Innovation Cell, Ministry of Education, has unveiled the results of the Tomato Grand Challenge (TGC), a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing systemic challenges in India’s tomato production and supply chain. Launched on June 30, 2023, the hackathon witnessed overwhelming participation, receiving 1,376 innovative ideas from students, researchers, startups, and professionals across the country.
After rigorous evaluation, 28 projects have been awarded funding for prototype development and mentorship, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Smt. Nidhi Khare, announced today.
Addressing Challenges in India’s Tomato Sector
India, the second-largest producer of tomatoes globally, produces an annual 20 million metric tons. However, the sector faces significant hurdles, including:
- Production variability caused by extreme weather events.
- Post-harvest losses due to inadequate cold storage and handling facilities.
- Inefficiencies in the supply chain leading to price volatility and wastage.
The TGC aimed to tackle these issues across the value chain, from pre-production to market access, leveraging innovative ideas and scalable solutions.
Key Challenges Targeted by TGC
The hackathon focused on:
- Climate-resilient farming through advanced seeds and agronomic practices.
- Reducing post-harvest losses with cold storage and better handling.
- Enhancing processing infrastructure for surplus tomatoes.
- Streamlining the supply chain by reducing middlemen’s dominance.
- Developing demand forecasting tools to stabilize prices and reduce waste.
- Promoting modern technologies like IoT and precision farming.
- Innovating in packaging and transportation to extend shelf life.
Innovative Solutions and Outcomes
The Grand Challenge progressed through multiple evaluation stages, from 423 shortlisted ideas in the first round to 29 finalists. Ultimately, 28 projects were funded and mentored, with monitoring and expert reviews ensuring their development.
Key outcomes include:
- Patents and IP: 14 patents, four design registrations/trademarks, and ten publications are under process.
- Packaging innovations: Solutions to enhance shelf life and reduce losses during transportation.
- Processed products: Innovations ensuring year-round tomato availability while minimizing wastage.
Revolutionizing the Tomato Value Chain
The TGC’s solutions aim to transform the tomato sector by stabilizing supply chains, reducing waste, and increasing profitability for farmers. This initiative also highlights the potential for similar innovations in other agricultural commodities.
A Model for Collaboration
The TGC exemplifies the power of collaboration between government, academia, and industry. Smt. Khare praised the initiative for its impact, stating, “The Tomato Grand Challenge is a testament to India’s talent and the potential for innovation to address real-world challenges. The outcomes will benefit both farmers and consumers while setting a benchmark for other commodities.”
The initiative not only strengthens India’s agricultural sector but also paves the way for a more sustainable, resilient future.
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