Veggie prices hit the roof

Vijayawada: Buyers at the Rythu Bazaars were left shocked on Saturday after the sudden hike in prices of vegetables.

The sharp rise left many citizens expressing concern and complaining that they are unable to buy the quantity needed.

On Saturday, a kg of brinjals was being sold at Rs 42 against the earlier price of Rs 15 to Rs17 per kg, while tomatoes fetched Rs 28 per kg, up from Rs 16 per kg. Potatoes prices too jumped sharply. The vegetable was sold at Rs 27 per kg against the 16 per kg it fetched earlier.

Lady’s fingers was sold at Rs 23 per kg, against the earlier price of Rs 12 per kg. Cabbage was sold at Rs 22 per kg against Rs 10 to Rs 15 per kg while green chilies fetched Rs 28 again-st the earlier price of Rs 12.

The price of leafy greens too has increased by almost 50 percent.

However, the price of chicken has come down to around Rs 100 per kg against the earlier price of Rs 140 per kg.

Traders said that the sharp rise in prices was due to the gap between demand and supply for all types of vegetables.

“Due to the Kartika Masam, and many people avoid non-vegetarian food and depend on vegetables. This is the major reason for the increased demand of vegetables. Apart from this, there has been a fall in production,” said Koteswara Rao, a vendor at Swarajya Maidan Rythu Bazaar.

“Due to the sharp rise in prices, we are unable to buy sufficient vegetables. I ended up buying only half the vegetables I needed,” said Martha-mma, a housewife.

Vendors predict that the high prices may continue for some more days and gradually ease as the supply increases.