In Vijayawada, an abundant supply of vegetables has led to a significant drop in prices. The increased supply is a typical occurrence during the winter months. However, the initial supply was disrupted by Cyclone Michaung, which caused crop damage and forced local traders to source tomatoes, chillies, and other vegetables from Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and other states.
As weather conditions improved, vegetable production gradually increased, reaching its current peak. Local markets are now inundated with locally grown tomatoes, green chillies, carrots, brinjal, and other vegetables. Prices for brinjal, ivy gourd, raw banana, and bottle gourd have fallen below 15 per kg at Rythu Bazaars.
Traders at the Rajiv Gandhi wholesale vegetable market noted an oversupply of tomatoes and carrots, leading to significant wastage. "The supply is very high. Carrots cost 47 per kg in Jan 2023 and we are selling the same at 38 per kg now. Similarly, the price of almost all vegetables has been reduced by 30%," said Pulluru Reddy, a wholesale trader.
According to sources, the price of most vegetables is less than 7 per kg, causing financial losses for farmers. Many have stopped harvesting ivy gourd and tomatoes due to the low return on investment.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
