India: Vegetable prices hit a new high

Unseasonal rain, rise in transportation charges jack up prices. Hyderabad: Abnormal rain, low production and rising transportation charges are behind the escalating vegetable prices in twin cities this season. However, one can heave a sigh of relief as authorities feel the prices would come under control in a fortnight as the crops would be ready for harvest.

Factors

Irregular rains that lashed twin cities and its fringes during the last two months destroyed majority of the crops, resulting in low supply and high demand. This apart, real estate impact in Chevella, Medchal, Shamshabad and other areas in Ranga Reddy district had an adverse effect on the vegetable production as many farmers turned into realtors, says Bowenpally Agricultural Market Committee Secretary S. Khader Vali.

The good news

Nevertheless, this would not continue for long. Crops in Shankerpalli, Nawabpet, Vikarabad, Doultabad, Toopran and Shamirpet would be ready for harvest in November first week and prices would become stable by then, he explains. Meanwhile, prices of vegetables have hit the roof in different markets in twin cities. While, Bitter and Ribbed Gourds that were sold at Rs. 14 per kg last week, now cost Rs. 18 per kg at Erragadda Rythu Bazar.

Similarly, French and Field beans cost Rs. 20 per kg.