The Indian government is stepping in to address the country’s growing tomato waste problem. In response to the significant loss of tomatoes — about 30-35% of the harvest is wasted each year — the Department of Consumer Affairs launched the Tomato Grand Challenge (TGC) in June 2023. The challenge received 1,376 submissions from innovators proposing ways to reduce waste and improve the tomato value chain.
Among the selected 28 innovators, some have come up with creative solutions such as making pesticides, coating materials, and even wine from tomato waste. These ideas aim to not only reduce waste but also help stabilize tomato prices, which are highly volatile. Prices tend to fall between December and March due to larger harvests but spike from July to November when production decreases. Seasonal surpluses and logistical challenges lead to significant losses for farmers, making price stability a major concern.
