In the past five months, the prices of several vegetables have surged by as much as 60%, exacerbated by a scarcity of local produce and the need to import from other states and districts. Factors such as insufficient rainfall and a preference for commercial crops over local vegetables have contributed to this dilemma, leading to a surge in the availability of imported vegetables.
Despite the onset of rains, the prospect of immediate vegetable availability remains bleak, with a lag of one and a half to three months expected before new crops can be harvested. Consequently, reliance on imports from other regions becomes imperative. However, this dependency comes at a cost, as transportation expenses, trader commissions, and porter charges inflate the prices further.
The repercussions of soaring vegetable prices are felt by both sellers and consumers alike. While sellers grapple with decreased demand for flower, fruit, and vegetable plants, consumers find their purchasing power diminished, leading to reduced volumes of vegetable purchases. Even industries like bakeries and hotels experience a downturn in demand.
Ginger, a staple in many cuisines, faces a similar fate, with prices skyrocketing to 500 per kilogram due to scarcity.
Given the prevailing circumstances, traders anticipate a further escalation in vegetable prices in the foreseeable future. The situation is exacerbated by the importation of tomatoes from other states, adding to the strain on consumers’ wallets.
- Manjunath, K.M., Vegetables, APMC Yard, Shimoga
Retail Prices of Selected Vegetables (per kg)
- Chilli: 80-100
- Eggplant: 40-50
- Goosebumps: 40-60
- Radish: 40-60
- Beans: 180-200
- Cauliflower: 80-120
- Carat: 60
- Onion: 30
- Potatoes: 30-36
- Amaranth: 80
- Cucumber: 60
- Ground pepper: 60
- Gourd: 40
- Tomatoes: 30 (600-700 per 25 kg box)
- Okra: 60
- Color: 50
- Beetroot: 40
- Nutmeg: 40-60
- Capsicum: 80
- Cabbage: 30
- Cauliflower: 60 (per piece)