Tomato Procurement, Preservation, Processing and Marketing Initiative by the Department of Agricultural Marketing, West Bengal
Tomatoes are among the most widely cultivated and consumed winter vegetables in West Bengal. However, their highly perishable nature makes them particularly susceptible to spoilage, resulting in significant post-harvest losses. To address this challenge, the preservation of during the peak harvest season (December to March) tomatoes in the form of semi-finished products such as pulp, puree, and juice has emerged as an effective and sustainable solution. This not only extends the shelf life of the produce and minimizes wastage but also significantly enhances its economic value.
In line with the goals of reducing post-harvest losses, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and improving farmer incomes, 21 One-Day Demonstration Programs on Preservation of Tomatoes as Semi-Finished Products by SHG Members were conducted by 21 Training-cum-Production and Community Canning Centres (TCPC Centres) under the Directorate of Agricultural Marketing, Government of West Bengal, during the financial year 2024–25. The primary objective of these demonstrations was to equip Self-Help Group (SHG) members and farmers with practical skills and technical knowledge related to tomato processing. Participants were trained in preparing tomato pulp, puree, and juice, enabling them to convert perishable surplus into shelf-stable, marketable products.
Between January and March, surplus tomatoes were procured directly from farmers at fair prices in major tomato-producing districts. This procurement was facilitated by District Officers of the Agricultural Marketing Department, in coordination with the Secretaries of the respective Zilla Regulated Market Committees. The collected tomatoes were processed into tomato puree, sauce, ketchup, and juice through the respective offices of the Agricultural Marketing Officers (Training & Canning), supporting value addition and minimizing post-harvest losses.
Recognizing the increasing consumer demand for processed tomato products—driven by better living standards and evolving dietary habits—the Sufal Bangla Project Management Unit launched a dedicated initiative for marketing tomato puree in the financial year 2023–24. Building on the positive response to last year’s introduction of tomato puree in 500 ml PET bottles, production has continued this year across various TCPC Centres. All processing activities are carried out in strict adherence to FSSAI standards, ensuring food safety and hygiene. The tomato puree is being sold at affordable prices through various Sufal Bangla outlets, making it widely accessible. Feedback from consumers has been highly favorable, particularly in terms of quality, taste, and nutritional value.
Additionally, the Community Canning Services offered by the 22 TCPC Centres provide the general public with affordable opportunities to process tomato-based and other fruit and vegetable products. These services include hands-on training in food processing and preservation techniques, helping individuals gain valuable skills and become self-reliant.
These initiatives mark a transformative step toward reducing post-harvest losses while empowering farmers and communities through value addition and the development of an efficient supply chain for tomatoes.