Vegetable prices in Hyderabad have seen a sharp rise as traders and growers are finding it hard to transport. Logistics are problematic because of the incessant rain in the past few days. Also, as per agricultural marketing records, another reason for less vegetable arrivals could be that growers chose to grow paddy and cotton over vegetables.
The continuous rain is said to have affected vegetable transport to city from past four days. Non-availability of workers is also being cited as a reason.
As per Agriculture Marketing Department (AMD) records, 2,200 tons of vegetables arrive in the city every day, on average. In the last four days, only around 12,00 tons vegetables are arriving. The average arrival of tomatoes, which is 20 tons per day, dipped to 12-15 tons per day in the last four days. Similarly, average arrival of green chillies, which is 5 tons per day, dipped to 2.9 tons.
Several supermarkets procure vegetables directly from growers through contract farming. “Though the selling price of vegetables is as per the contract which is unaffected irrespective of rain or demand, vegetable prices in supermarkets have also increased due to inter-state transport being adversely affected due to rains,” an AMD official told timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
