Vegetable prices soar in festive season, onion crosses Rs 80, lemon Rs 700 a kg
Onion, lemon and coriander prices have shot up across states including Delhi as bad weather hits crops during the festive season
The festive season is underway, and vegetable prices have shot up in the capital Delhi and several other states. Rates have risen by Rs 40 to 50 over the past month, hitting the common man's pocket directly.
Vegetable and fruit sellers say the main reason for the price rise is changing weather and unseasonal rain, which has caused losses for farmers and directly affected the market.
Onion and potato, used daily in households, have also become costlier. Green vegetable prices have also jumped sharply, in some places doubling from earlier rates.
Tomatoes are selling at Rs 40 to 60 per kg in the market. Onion, which was available for Rs 30 to 40 per kg until a few days ago, has now touched Rs 80. Ginger and garlic prices have also risen considerably. Rates of other green vegetables such as okra and cucumber are also rising.
On wholesale and retail prices, potato that sells at Rs 12 per kg in the wholesale market reaches Rs 20 per kg by the time it gets to the retail market. Similarly, onion that sells at Rs 36 to 45 per kg wholesale is selling at Rs 75 to 80 per kg in the retail market.
According to sellers, bad weather and rain damaged crops and disrupted supply, which is the main reason for the price rise. Prices have also risen due to lower arrivals of green vegetables in the market. With demand rising in the festive season, prices are expected to rise further in the coming days.
At present no vegetable is available at normal prices in the market. Seasonal cabbage has started arriving, but its price still stands at Rs 60 to 80 per kg. Mustard greens and spinach are selling above Rs 100. Lemon prices are sky high, selling at Rs 500 to 700 per kg. Coriander is selling at Rs 350 per kg. These higher vegetable prices are directly hitting household budgets.
