In the last week, vegetable prices have risen by 25 to 40 per cent in western and southern India. Heavy rainfall in the region has damaged crops and disrupted transportation, causing the prices to skyrocket.
The prices are expected to remain high for the next two months, after which the new harvest will arrive. In north India prices the prices have not increased, as supply in this region is unaffected.
Seasonal green vegetables such as bottle gourd (+ 25%), beans (+ 30%), capsicum (+30%) and cabbage (+40%) have taken a hit due to these rains.
Shivanand Shiragaonkar of Shivanand Traders in Belgaum market yard said as farmers were unable to harvest their crops, there was a fall in production and a spike in prices. Cabbage and tomato prices increased by 50% to Rs 25 a kg and Rs 40 a kg, respectively, from the first week of August, he said.
“The fields are flooded, and the crop is now lost. Farmers will have to go for replanting. Further, with highways blocked, there is no transportation from the mandi,” said Shiragaonkar. At the Devi Ahilya Sabji Mandi in Indore, carrot and bitter gourd were quoted at Rs 30 a kg and Rs 25 a kg, respectively, an increase of 50% from August 1, said Radhe Shyam of Radhe Shyam Patidar and Co.
Source: IndiaTimes
