Vegetable prices rise as rain hits crops
Sources said that vegetables like bitter gourd, turai (sponge gourd), turnip, etc have taken a beating.
By TNN | Updated:
NEW DELHI: The recent rainfall over large parts of northwest and central India has massively damaged standing crops resulting in an almost immediate spike in price of vegetables. In Delhi, retailers reported a Rs 2-5 per kg rise in the price of various vegetables in the past week, while wholesalers warned of a worsening situation in the coming days that is likely to continue all through the summer months.
"A huge portion of the standing crops have been destroyed, especially vegetables that grow underground like onion, potatoes, etc or ones which grows on shrubs like ladyfinger, due to waterlogging in the fields. At present Delhi is getting about 90% of its vegetable supply from West Bengal and the remaining from Haryana and Punjab. No fresh crop is expected anytime soon. Prices will remain high for at least a few months," said Mahinder Sanpal, director, Agriculture Produce Market Committee.
Sources said that vegetables like bitter gourd, turai (sponge gourd), turnip, etc have taken a beating. In fact, crops expected from within Delhi in the next 15 days, including the summer favourite musk melon, have been ruined.
Surendra Sawhney, proprietor of Gujarat Onions Co said that the impact had not started showing in onion prices so far, but it would be apparent in the next couple of weeks. He said, "Potatoes and onions are being hoarded by farmers in the hope that prices will rise. These vegetables can be stored for about six months. The price of onion will rise in the next few days and the government needs to put in checks immediately to keep it affordable."
Another trader pointed out that the larger problem of price escalation would be felt by the end consumer. "Many of these perishable items spoil fast as they have been exposed to water and could not dry. The quality of vegetables will therefore not be very good. Because there is a shortage, retailers will charge whatever they please, even for rotting vegetables," said the trader.
The charge is believable based on market prices on Monday. Ladyfinger, available for Rs 20-48 per kg in the mandi, was selling for Rs 80-100 in the retail market. Similarly, brinjal, selling for Rs 11-20 in the wholesale market, was available for Rs 40-60 in the retail market.
"A huge portion of the standing crops have been destroyed, especially vegetables that grow underground like onion, potatoes, etc or ones which grows on shrubs like ladyfinger, due to waterlogging in the fields. At present Delhi is getting about 90% of its vegetable supply from West Bengal and the remaining from Haryana and Punjab. No fresh crop is expected anytime soon. Prices will remain high for at least a few months," said Mahinder Sanpal, director, Agriculture Produce Market Committee.
Sources said that vegetables like bitter gourd, turai (sponge gourd), turnip, etc have taken a beating. In fact, crops expected from within Delhi in the next 15 days, including the summer favourite musk melon, have been ruined.
Surendra Sawhney, proprietor of Gujarat Onions Co said that the impact had not started showing in onion prices so far, but it would be apparent in the next couple of weeks. He said, "Potatoes and onions are being hoarded by farmers in the hope that prices will rise. These vegetables can be stored for about six months. The price of onion will rise in the next few days and the government needs to put in checks immediately to keep it affordable."
Another trader pointed out that the larger problem of price escalation would be felt by the end consumer. "Many of these perishable items spoil fast as they have been exposed to water and could not dry. The quality of vegetables will therefore not be very good. Because there is a shortage, retailers will charge whatever they please, even for rotting vegetables," said the trader.
The charge is believable based on market prices on Monday. Ladyfinger, available for Rs 20-48 per kg in the mandi, was selling for Rs 80-100 in the retail market. Similarly, brinjal, selling for Rs 11-20 in the wholesale market, was available for Rs 40-60 in the retail market.
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Text by: PTI
Widespread rains battered large swathes of North India bringing mercury down by several notches, even as it claimed 14 lives and damaged crops in several regions.
In pic: A farmer, whose wheat crop was damaged due to rain and hailstorm, being consoled by a fellow farmer at a village in Jalore
Widespread rains battered large swathes of North India bringing mercury down by several notches, even as it claimed 14 lives and damaged crops in several regions.
In pic: A farmer, whose wheat crop was damaged due to rain and hailstorm, being consoled by a fellow farmer at a village in Jalore
