Soaring vegetable prices are affecting the citizens of Guwahati and other parts of Assam state, after ravaging floods destroyed crops of over 200,000 hectares since April. Traders in Guwahati said almost all the vegetables have crossed Rs 80 per-kg mark. Bitter melon, raw papaya, pointed gourd, sweet gourd and ridge gourd were selling for Rs 80 a kg. These vegetables cost Rs 30-40 a kg before the floods.
One vegetable trader at Bamunimaidam market said: “The supply of vegetables to Guwahati markets has dropped sharply due to floods. We have not been able to procure vegetables as floods have damaged the roads at different locations. Moreover, prices of vegetables have gone up at the sources also. All these factors have resulted in a hike in prices of vegetables.”
He said prices are not coming down anytime soon. However, he said prices might stabilise if the flood situation does not deteriorate. The lion’s share of the vegetables that Guwahati needs every day comes from Kharupetia in Darrang district. Vegetables also come from Goalpara, Nalbari, Barpeta and Morigaon districts.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com