It's February and in tune with the rising mercury levels, prices of different vegetables are steadily increasing in the city. The price of ladyfingers that was hovering around Rs. 26 per kg last week, has now reached Rs. 32 per kg.
Similarly, ridgegourd that was available for Rs.14 per kg is now being sold at Rs. 22 per kg. Be it Green chillies, field beans and capsicum, all these vegetables are slowly inching away from the low and middle income groups' budget.
Mind you, these are the prices prevailing at different Rythu Bazar's in the city and those visiting super markets and conventional markets are already feeling the pinch of soaring vegetable prices.
Several factors
There are many factors that are contributing to the rise in vegetable prices. Low production, increasing transportation costs are a few to name.
Production ratio
Generally, about six tonnes of ladyfingers are brought to a Rythu Bazar everyday but since last few days, only four tonnes are being brought.
This indicates the ratio of production, says an Estate Officer of a Rythu Bazar.
Water levels
Majority of farmers bring vegetables to the city from surrounding villages, particularly in Ranga Reddy district.
But due to declining ground water levels, vegetable production was hit adversely, the officer explains.
Except for the prices of tomatoes, potatoes, onions and cabbage, there seems to be no solace for households.
But Rythu Bazar authorities predict that the prices of these vegetables would also increase in the coming days as production would get affected, he says.
Sorry scenario
The scenario was bit rosy during the same time last year.
But this year the prices of different vegetables have already gone up by Rs.3 to Rs.7. Ladyfingers were sold for Rs. 24 a kg last year and this year they are being sold at Rs. 32 per kg, he points out.
