Mumbai: Prices of tomato, other vegetables soar as rain causes 'spoilage'

MUMBAI: The retail price of vegetables rose further Wednesday, with tomato coming to cost an exorbitant Rs 80 per kg in localities like Ghatkopar, Mulund, Andheri and Khar in Mumbai. Other items like cauliflower, cluster beans, french beans and green peas rose well above the average Rs 80-120.
A wholesaler in APMC Vashi said Tuesday, "The wholesale rate of tomato has escalated to Rs 30-32 a kilo for the good Bangalore variety. Nashik tomatoes are cheaper." However, retailers are charging nearly three times more, citing spoilage.
Vendor Ram Charan near Seven Bungalows Garden said rates of tomato have risen to astronomical highs on the back of fresh rain showers since Monday. "Prices will scale up further to Rs 90 or 100 per kg," he warned.
"The wholesale rate in Vashi itself has risen so we are procuring at a high cost. At least three kilos in every crate turn out spoiled owing to the rain. But I am still charging a modest Rs 60 because nowadays, buyers in Bandra too have started complaining, something they never did before," said Pappu Jaiswal whose shop is located near the Mount Mary Steps.
At SL Marg near Mulund Station (West), Kushwaha Vegetables sold poor quality Nashik tomato for Rs 50 while the robust Bangalore variety came for Rs 70-80.
Other vegetables are also selling above average. In Bandra and Andheri Lokhandwala, cluster beans and cauliflower cost Rs 100, green peas Rs 160, carrot and cucumber Rs 80, and fist-sized bundles of coriander Rs 20. In Mulund, french beans are available for Rs 100 and green peas Rs 140.
Householders are reducing consumption or changing the menu to avoid expensive items. "I chose to visit Big Bazaar where I bought tomatoes for Rs 59," said a resident of IC Colony, Borivli.