As the chilly winter is on, it’s not just temperature alone that has dipped. The prices of vegetables and rice have also seen a considerable drop, much to the relief of consumers.
The Koyambedu wholesale market has been witnessing 10 per cent hike in sales as winter crops arrive.
Traders say the prices of most vegetables have come down by 10 per cent as the market gets more produce.
S. Chandran, a wholesale merchant, said several vegetables like broad beans, carrots and beans have become affordable compared to last month. Green peas, a seasonal vegetable, is priced at Rs.40 a kg in wholesale market. However, retail prices vary according to the area as vendors also include transportation and labour charges.
P. Selvakumar, a retailer in Adyar, said: “Only drumsticks are sold for Rs.200 a kg. If a customer spent Rs.300 to purchase few vegetables last month, the bill has reduced to Rs.200 now.”
An increase in arrivals due to the harvest season is also the reason for a fall in prices of rice.
According to D. Thulasingam, president of Federation of Tamil Nadu Rice Mill Owners and Paddy – Rice Dealers Association, both wholesale and retail prices have come down and these prices are likely to stay till April.
D. Mohan of Saravana Rice Mandy, Adyar depot, said many customers prefer par boiled rice ( venn puzhungal arisi ) that does not become sticky.
“Unusually, this year the prices started reducing 15 days ago. Many hoteliers buy Sona Massuri rice from Karnataka. A 25-kg bag used to cost Rs.1050. Now it is Rs. 875,” he explained.
