Pune
India: Leafy veggies are back with a bang
"When rainfall was low, only farmers with alternate options of water availability had good produce of leafy vegetables. With good rainfall, all farmers have got good crop. Earlier, only 50-60 quintals of these vegetables used to enter the market, but now it has increased to 100-120 quintals," said ND Ghule, in charge of vegetables and fruits at the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC).
According to Ghule, the current lot of leafy vegetables was grown when ample of rain water was available. The rain water washes away the chemicals and sprays used for the growth of these vegetables, increasing their health and nutritional value.
The wholesalers of the city are also buying more leafy vegetables as the rates have come down in comparison to basic vegetables whose rates are still high. "Basic vegetables are still pricey; we sell onions and tomatoes for Rs15 and 18 per kg to retailers. As the rates of leafy veggies have come down, demand for the same has increased," said Shree Gurudev Datta Agency. Till July 31, we got coriander in the range of Rs800-1,400 a quintal, but now it is Rs200-500 a quintal. Fenugreek has come down from Rs400-1,000 a quintal to Rs200-600 a quintal.
"As it is the month of Shravan and vegetables are always in demand. Now that the basic vegetables are expensive, people are opting for green leafy ones," added Aditya Fresh Vegetables Suppliers from Hadapsar.
Source: www.dnaindia.com
