Drought, low yield drive vegetable prices up by 40%

Supply down by more than 25% at Koyambedu; beans, carrots are expensive

Drought across the State and low yield in neighbouring districts of Chennai have hit the supply of vegetables to the city’s wholesale market at Koyambedu. The prices of several vegetables have spiralled this month, as a result. Even a bunch of mint and coriander leaves costs ₹40 due to the severe water crisis in places in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka where the plants are grown.

Traders at the Koyambedu market said the market now receives only up to 250 truck loads of vegetables daily compared to the usual 350-400 trucks. S. Chandran, president, Koyambedu Market Licensed Merchants Association, said several vegetables are now at least 40% costlier than last month. “Usually, the prices of vegetables that escalate during summer begin to drop from mid-June. But, as the drought situation continues across the State and also in neighbouring States, vegetables may remain expensive till July,” he said.

Onion, tomato and potato are the only vegetables that are priced at ₹20-₹25 per kg. Cabbage and snake gourd are also being preferred more by some customers as they are priced at ₹20-₹30 a kg in the wholesale market. Several customers have cut down on their volume of purchase. Beans and carrots are expensive.

Low yield

P.Sukumar, joint secretary, Koyambedu Vegetables, Fruits and Flower Merchants Welfare Association, said: “Even the locally grown green chillies and brinjals are priced high this month as the yield is less across the State. ”

Vegetable prices have been increasing for three months. But Ramzan has helped to keep sales up, he said.