Veggie prices head north

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 19

Skyrocketing prices of vegetables have burnt a hole in the pocket of the common man.

Experts claim that the rise in vegetable prices is expected to continue at least for another week given the present climatic situations and inflation in fuel prices.

Today, the prices of tomato were recorded at Rs 50 per kg in the wholesale market and Rs70 to Rs 80 per kg in the retail market, while those of onion remained at Rs 38 per kg in the wholesale and Rs 50 per kg in the retail. Capsicum was available for Rs 90 per kg in wholesale and Rs120-Rs140 in retail, okra for Rs 25 per kg in wholesale and Rs 40 per kg in retail, cabbage at Rs 25 in wholesale) and Rs 40 in retail, cauliflower at Rs 35-Rs 40 in wholesale) and Rs 50-Rs 60 in retail, cucumber for Rs 14-Rs15 in wholesale and Rs 30 in retail and green beans for Rs 40 per kg in wholesale and Rs 60-Rs 80 in retail. The prices of these vegetables increased in the past few weeks.

“The hike is mainly due to climatic conditions in major farming areas. Crop has been damaged due to rain/flood in several areas, while farmers are yet to harvest crops in some area. Increase in onion prices is expected to continue for another 15 days till the time new crop comes. In addition to this, inflation in fuel prices has also affected veggie prices. Carriage and labour charges have been doubled. Businessmen are struggling hard to get labour and meet the hike in carriage charges. Inflation has definitely hit the market,” said Brij Mohan, president, Sector 26 Sabji Mandi Aditya Association, Chandigarh, and Apple Market Association, Panchkula.

Meanwhile, residents continue to face the heat amid increase in demand during this festive season. Not only residents, but also those into food business are also troubled with the hike in veggie prices.

“We have to think twice before buying anything. The government should help common man by removing excess taxes,” said Shivani, a local resident.

“We can’t increase prices of our products and cannot even compromise with the quality. Rise in vegetable prices has directly hit our business amid the ongoing inflation. I hope this hike is temporary,” said an owner of a burger joint at Sector 44.

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