Nepal: Veg prices still sky high

The constant fluctuation in vegetable prices has been a concern for a long period of time, with retailers and wholesellers each putting the blame on the other.

Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market (KFVM) recently put up an information board for consumers so that they could be aware of wholesale as well as retail prices. “The response to the notice board has been good and it is picking up slowly; we have been getting many calls for timely updates,” said Binay Shrestha, planning officer for KFVM.

According to Shrestha, the information board facility had been put up for consumers and retailers to check the daily wholesale and retail prices of fruits and vegetables. “Even though prices have become slightly less than before, fruits and vegetables are still very expensive basic items that we need for everyday use. One must say that they are still unaffordable. For example, I bought tomatoes for Rs 60 per kg just yesterday,” said Uma Khatri, a housewife. Retailers have been constantly accusing the wholesale market for the rise in prices. “If you check the daily price updates there has hardly been a rise except in those of items not in season,” added KFVM’s Shrestha.

Retailer at Bagmati Wholesale Market Dhirendra Sharma said, “We hardly make profit. We buy at the best rates and sell an at affordable price. We don’t cheat customers..” The prices are burning a hole in the consumer’s pocket and no one is willing to take the responsibility. A report recently stated that the wholesale market prices are much higher than those of the retailers. All said, it is the consumers who are bearing the brunt of escalating prices.

“If wholesale prices have gone high then it is impossible for retailers to sell at a rate cheaper than what they buy from the wholesale market,” said Shrestha.


Source: thehimalayantimes.com

Publication date: 11/5/2009

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