Due to excessive rainfall and crop damage, the new average retail price of common garden vegetables jumped from Rs 60-80 previously in the larger cities, to Rs 120-140 per kg. Retailers have linked inclement weather to these rising vegetable prices. Vegetables lying in the fields are rotting due to the constant rain. Many vegetables could not reach the markets.
Shankar Pingale, director at APMC Vashi, said: “Tomatoes have wilted in all growing areas due to heavy rainfall. Good red fruit costs Rs 40-50 wholesale, so naturally retail rates are Rs 60-80. The situation will improve only after the new crop arrives in mid-November. The same is the case with other vegetables. Only 20-30% of the current crop is of good quality. The remaining is average or below par.”
Many farmers across India report crop losses. This means that food prices, which have already reached their highest levels in more than two years, can remain high without falling post-harvest as usual.
[ Rs 100 = €1.20 ]
Source: businessoutreach.in
