Recent heavy rainfall in India has impacted the vegetable supply chain to Nagpur, leading to increased market prices. Transport routes, including highways and key access points, are obstructed due to waterlogging, causing delays in the movement of produce from rural areas to urban markets. This has resulted in temporary price inflation.
A visit to markets in Gokulpeth, Khamla, and Beltarodi revealed price escalations, particularly in leafy greens. Spinach rose from approximately $0.60 to $0.97 per kilogram, while fenugreek increased from about $0.97 to $1.46 per kilogram. Tomato prices also surged to an approximate range of $0.73 to $0.97 per kilogram from the previous $0.49 to $0.61 per kilogram.
Other vegetables such as carrots, capsicum, and cauliflower also experienced price increases of up to 50%, reaching an estimated $1.46 per kilogram. Supply chains are exerting efforts to meet demand, though markets on the city's outskirts show lesser fluctuations in pricing.
Onion and garlic prices recorded an increase by approximately $0.24 per kilogram, currently retailing between $0.73 - $0.97 and $1.70 - $2.07 per kilogram, respectively. Conversely, potato, chili, and ginger prices remained unaffected due to adequate buffer stocks. Meanwhile, lemon prices fell from $0.10 to $0.05 each, potentially due to a decrease in demand.
A vendor at Beltarodi observed, "Due to the rains, supply is erratic. Even if quantity is sufficient, a lot of vegetables are rotting." Another vendor from Khamla mentioned, "Crops from Bazargaon are damaged. Farmers are bringing less produce. Even regular buyers are holding back."
At Gokulpeth market, concerns persisted as another vendor noted, "Flooded roads are blocking delivery vehicles. Whatever little comes in sells at a premium." As the monsoon affects infrastructure and disrupts supply chains, there are hopes for improved weather conditions and price stabilization.
Source: The Times of India
