Persistent rain, high fuel rates and crop failure have led to the increase in vegetable prices across the country. The prices of vegetables skyrocketed in various cities. The vegetable rates are burning a hole in the pockets of average middle-class people in the country.
The tomatoes which used to be sold at a price of Rs 30-35 per kg till a few days ago is now being sold at a whopping price of Rs 100-130 per kg. The heavy rain has affected crop cultivation resulting in the shortage of vegetables which in turn has led to the price surge.
Prices of vegetables:
Carrots– Rs 80-110 per kg
Cluster beans– Rs 60-80 per kg
Cabbage– Rs 40-60 per kg
Bitter gourd and capsicum– Rs 60-80 per kg
Brinjal– Rs 60-80 per kg
Onions– Rs 60-80 per kg
Ladyfinger and Ivy gourd– Rs 44-54 per kg
Besides the above vegetables, the destruction of crops and heavy rains have a major impact on the prices of tomatoes. The tomatoes in Bengaluru are sold at Rs 100-110 per kg while in Chennai it is priced at Rs 160.
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According to N Veera Babu, a vendor, tomatoes used to arrive from Bengaluru and the rains in Karnataka had an impact on agriculture. Tomatoes, which were priced at Rs 38 a kilo earlier this month, are now selling for Rs 74. He stated that a lack of certainty about the country’s fuel prices caused increased transportation costs.
Ironically, the last April, in Marayoor in Kerala, the tomatoes were sold at Rs 10 per kg and now at the same place, they are being sold at Rs 160 per kg.