Vegetables such as drumstick and brinjal saw a sudden spike in prices over the last 24 hours, said vendors. From Rs 80 per kg, the wholesale drumstick is now selling at Rs 100 per kg. Brinjals have also increased from Rs 30-35 per kg to Rs 60 per kg. 

“This is a result of the last supply from the end of the third crop. About three months ago, farmers planted the crops taking into account the lockdown restrictions and labour restrictions. About 50-60 per cent of the third crop was planted, and we are at the end of that supply,” said P Sukumaran, treasurer, Koyambedu Vegetable Merchants’ Association. 

Meanwhile, certain vegetables, like chow chow (squash) and cabbage, have almost doubled in price. Chow chow now goes for Rs 20 per kg from Rs 10 per kg, while cabbage is currently selling for Rs 15 per kg from Rs 8 per kg. 

Additionally, turnip (nookal) is selling for Rs 30-40 per kg after a ten per cent increase in costs. Also affected from the increase is beetroot and ladies finger, which are selling for Rs 30 and Rs 40 per kg respectively.