Amid job losses and salary cuts due to the coronavirus pandemic and nationwide lockdown, there is a sharp spike in commonly consumed vegetables across India. The retail prices of vegetables have risen sharply across the country, with major wholesale markets running low on supplies due to disruptions caused by heavy rains and short supply of some items.
From potato and tomato to brinjal, bitter gourd and cabbage, all vegetables have seen wholesale prices go up by 40 percent to 90 percent compared with the last month.
Vegetable sellers say onion prices are likely to be increased in the retail market in the coming days as prices have started increasing in the wholesale market of Maharashtra. Potato, for instance, is selling for Rs 15 to Rs 25-30 per kg in wholesale markets in north and central India. In West Bengal, the state government warned of action if retail traders are found selling the tuber above Rs 27 a kg.
Potato traders in West Bengal have blamed the recent amendment to the Essential Commodities Act by the Centre for a rise in prices of the tuber in retail markets as it allows barrier-free trade of the agricultural product.
Potato prices in West Bengal are currently ruling high at Rs 32-33 a kg as 15-20 percent of daily supply of the commodity is being exported to neighbouring states.
Traders at Mandis attributed to disruption in supply chain due to heavy rainfall and damage of horticulture crops due to floods in several states during monsoon for increasing vegetable prices. The retail prices are expected to remain high till September end or first week of October, depending on the arrival of new crops.
Some wholesale traders said that the farmers in many states dumped perishables during the lockdown, unable to find buyers. So, tomatoes are in short supply. Besides, transportation costs have risen 5-10% because of fuel price hikes by the government which led to sharp increase in the retail prices.
The retail prices of tomato ranged from Rs 60-80 per kg in most parts of the country while most of green vegetables were sold at Rs 50-70 per kg depending on the quality and locations at various markets. According to traders, tomatoes were sold at Rs 30-40 per kg last month.
The retail prices of potato ranged from Rs 30-40 per kg while the same was sold at Rs 20 a kg till last month. Onion is being sold at Rs 25-30 a kg but traders warned that prices are expected to increase in the coming days as wholesale prices are increasing in Maharashtra’s wholesale onion markets.
The retail prices of brinjal, sponge gourd (nenua) and bottle gourd (lauki) ranged from Rs 40 to 60 per kg while the same vegetables were being sold at Rs 20-30 per kg till the third week of August.
Cucumber’s retail price is at Rs 40 a kg. Lady finger’s retail price ranged from Rs 40 to 60 a kg. The retail prices of Cauliflower (Gobi) and pointed gourd (parwal) ranged from Rs 90 to Rs 100 a kg. Coriander’s retail price has touched Rs 250 a kg.