Vegetable prices in the city are expected to rise this week due to increased rains in Tamil Nadu and surrounding states, as well as lack of labour due to the pandemic, say vendors. Locals can expect a 10 to 20 per cent rise in vegetable prices in the coming days.
Chennai:
“There have been rains in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This has led to some crops being damaged. The second crop, planted in May, is providing yield only now. However, due to the lack of farmhands, farmers are finding it difficult to provide the supply as before. This will cause a 10 to 20 per cent increase in prices,” said P Sukumaran, secretary, Koyambedu Wholesale Market Merchants’ Association.
Fruit prices are also expected to follow the trend.
There has already been a rise in prices over the course of the week for vegetables like tomatoes, beans, broad beans and brinjal. This rise will continue, and will last for around 15 days, he added.