Delhi government orders steps to check rise of vegetable prices

NEW DELHI: Concerned over the rise of prices of vegetables due to heavy unseasonal rain, Delhi government today directed the heads of the three major markets -- Azadpur, Shahdara and Keshopur -- to take steps to keep the rates under control.

Development Minister Gopal Rai and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Asim Ahmed Khan today convened a meeting in which a review of the prices of green vegetables, tomatoes, onions and potatoes was held.

Rai directed the officials of the departments concerned to immediately take emergency measures to check rising prices.

Rai also directed that the prices of vegetables, onions, tomatoes and potatoes should be clearly displayed at the Azadpur, Ghazipur (Shahdara) and Keshopur markets.

"The minister has directed that the exorbitant margins being charged by commission agents should be immediately curbed. Officials have been asked to keep a close check on the margin of profit between purchases from farmers and the final price at which it is sold in the retail market," said a senior government official.

The official also said that directions have been issued for teams to be sent to conduct surprise checks to ensure against price rise, which could be caused by a variety of factors, including hoarding and over-charging through collusion between various agencies.

A task force will be set-up to improve the wholesale markets of Delhi and for the identification of new spots to open more such markets to reduce the pressure on the existing ones, he also said.

Apart from the emergency steps, Rai also asked for medium and long-term measures to be taken to keep the prices of perishable eatables under control, particularly during the summer and monsoon months.