Vegetable prices shoot up

Supplies from other States have been inadequate, say traders in Koyambedu

Incessant rain and holidays in the neighbouring States have triggered a sudden spike in vegetable prices in the city.

Beans and drumsticks were priced more than ₹100 a kg on Friday.

Traders at the Koyambedu market, which is the wholesale hub for perishable goods, noted that continuous rain in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and the lack of harvest during the festive season had affected the arrivals by at least 50 %.

Drumsticks were one of the expensive vegetables, with the price pegged at ₹170 per kg. The market usually receives drumsticks from Dindigul and Chidambaram. The cost of locally grown vegetables such as brinjals also doubled to ₹60 a kg in just a week due to severe shortage, hitting the household budget. Many customers refrained from buying large quantities of vegetables and instead bought for daily requirement to meet their budget.

Customers also complained that coriander leaves were costly and of poor quality.

Tomatoes were sold for nearly ₹80 a kg in the retail market.

P. Sukumar, joint secretary, Koyambedu Vegetables, Fruits and Flowers Merchants Welfare Association, said several vegetables were priced at least 50% higher due to a severe shortage. The market received only 180 loads against 350-400 truck loads that bring produce daily. Most of the vegetables were priced above ₹50 a kg in the wholesale market

“We expect a slight dip in the prices from Monday as harvest may resume in some parts. However, carrot, broad beans and beans may remain expensive till December-end,” he said.

Onions and potatoes are are affordable at ₹35 a kg and ₹15 a kg, respectively.