Nahan: Vegetable prices soar, consumers a harried lot

Nahan, July 14

The soaring prices of vegetables have made these inaccessible to the common man. Seasonal vegetables are also now beyond the purchasing power of many consumers. As a result, consumers are turning to pulses as an alternative, but the high prices of pulses are also troubling them.

In Nahan, the district headquarters of Sirmaur, there has been a significant surge in vegetable prices and to worsen the situation, vegetable vendors have started stocking smaller quantities of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Vendors attribute the high prices to the ongoing monsoon season which has affected the supply and increased the wholesale prices of vegetables in the region. Tomatoes, a staple in every kitchen, have reached up to Rs 80 per kg and seasonal vegetables like arbi are priced between Rs 80 and Rs 100 per kg. Other vegetables, including beans, capsicum and cauliflower, are also ranging between Rs 80 to Rs 100. Another daily essential, onion, is now available for Rs 50 per kg in the markets of Sirmaur. Even the hill potatoes are being sold at Rs 50 per kg in Nahan. Light vegetables like zucchini and bottle gourd are also being sold at high prices, crossing the Rs 50 per kg mark. Despite being in season, cucumber is available for Rs 60 per kg.

Consumers have expressed their frustration, noting that the high prices in July have significantly impacted their purchasing power. A consumer said the steep increase in vegetable prices has made it challenging to afford basic groceries.