Nepal ready to supply tomatoes to India to ease price rise, seeks easier access to market

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₹242 per kg has led India to import tomatoes for the first time amid supply disruptions caused by heavy rains. Nepal is keen to export vegetables, particularly tomatoes, to India over the long term. However, this endeavour is contingent upon India providing straightforward market access and necessary facilities, according to Shabnam Shivakoti, spokesperson for Nepal's Agriculture Ministry told PTI on August 11.

While Nepal has already initiated tomato exports to India via official channels in the past week, the quantities remain modest. Plans for larger-scale exports are still in progress. “If we are provided with easy access to the Indian market, Nepal can export huge quantities of tomatoes to India," said Binaya Shrestha, Deputy Director at Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board.

Tomatoes are grown abundantly in the Kathmandu Valley's districts—Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur—exceeding local demand. Though some tomatoes from Kathmandu are being unofficially exported to India, Shrestha acknowledged, a recent trend has seen substantial exports through informal channels, causing shortages and price spikes in the local market. Also read: Tomatoes to be sold at ₹70/kg, Finance Minster Nirmala says ‘people need essentials at an affordable price’ The Nepalese tomato market faced challenges in the past, with farmers discarding significant amounts due to lack of demand.