India: Potato prices plummet
Retail price of potatoes has come down to Rs.10 a kg from Rs. 20. The prices reached up to Rs. 35 per kg as the production here saw a downward trend in November and December, burning holes in the pockets of the consumers.
Trader say with the record production of 1.2 lakh metric tonnes this season in West Bengal, potato price is hovering around Rs. 4 per kg in the wholesale market there. Heavy loads of potatoes from that State is reaching the markets here everyday.
“Sale of potatoes has gone up significantly in the current marriage season. Hotels are also buying the vegetable in huge quantities for its availability at low prices,” said M. Sankara Rao, a trader from Srikakulam.
Other vegetables are also available at affordable rates, despite the fall in the arrivals in summer season.
According to market sources, the prices will remain stable throughout the year, if vegetable cultivation gets encouragement from the government. Now, vegetables are grown in less than 3,000 hectares in the district.
Source: thehindu.com
