India: Vegetable prices continue to rise with the temperature
Beans for example are now fetching between Rs 60 and Rs 80, or $1.16 - $1.55 US, per kg.
The rise coincides with the beginning of the wedding and festival season and those in the know say that further rises can be expected. There are thought to be several causes acting as factors in the price rises.
G.M. Venkatesh, a senior executive with a vegetable retail chain, blamed water shortages for steep increases in the prices of beans, tomato and cabbage. Cabbages, on average, retail around Rs 4 and RS 8, but are now selling for Rs 15 per kg.
The prices are high because a lack of rainfall has caused growers to give up cultivation, leading to shortages.
However, whilst vegetables continue to rise in value, fruits are reasonably priced.
Banana is being sold at around Rs 34 - Rs 42 at neighbourhood outlets for example and pomegranate, the price of which had crossed Rs 180 a few months back, is now available at around Rs 140 a kg.
Source: www.thehindu.com
