Rain hits supply, prices of leafy vegetables spike in retail market in Pune

PUNE: Retail prices of green vegetables have increased in the city, as continuous rain has reduced its supply in the wholesale market by around 15%, traders said.
A bundle of coriander, initially sold at Rs40-50, now commands a price of Rs50- 60 in the retail market. Spinach and fenugreek are also being sold at Rs30 and above.

Retailers said the prices of tomato and potato have also gone up by Rs10-Rs15 per kg, with potato being sold at Rs45-50 per kg. Prices of tomato currently start from Rs60 for a kg and soar further depending on the quality and size.
Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) traders attributed the drop in the supply and increase in prices to the rain in the region which has damaged crops and disrupted transportation. They claimed that the supply would increase with some break in the rainfall.
The wholesale market, which witnesses a week’s largest arrival of vegetables on Sunday, said the supply was much lesser than expected the past seven days.
“The vegetable supply was down by at least 15% to 20% on Sunday. The shortage was mainly because of the heavy spells that affected the crops. Also, many consignments of leafy vegetables were spoiled. The wholesalers purchase the vegetables from farmers in bulk, but the retailers accept only good quality produce,” a wholesaler said.
Sanika Naik, who placed an online home delivery order of vegetables, said the coriander was not available below Rs50 per kg, while tomatoes were being sold over Rs60 per kg.
“There is a shortage of leafy vegetables. The local retailers were selling the items at around Rs50, and even those were not of best quality. Even green chillies were sold at higher than usual rates,” Naik said.
Sanjay Kadam, a resident of Shankarsheth Road, said he used to travel to the Mandai for purchasing vegetables, but was now dependent on local retailers for his daily supply of greens. “The retailers often sell vegetables at higher prices. But it’s not like we are spoilt for choices now,” Kadam said.
Habib Shaikh, a retailer from Shivajinagar area, said the shortage has been there since last few days which pushed up the prices.
“I am selling only quality vegetables, but the demand is more because of the Ganesh festival. We are expecting an increased supply of vegetables in the next few days,” Shaikh added.