Hyderabad: Heavy rains jack up vegetable prices

Hyderabad: Incessant rains over the past two weeks have resulted in an increase in the prices of vegetables at city markets. Traders say that prices are not expected to fall before the end of the month. 

The city is dependent on imports from its neighbouring districts and states. Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh supply a majority of the vegetables available at city markets, and the districts of Ranga Reddy, Medak, Nalgonda and Mahbubnagar meet the rest of the city’s demand. Heavy rains in these states and districts over the past couple of weeks has caused crop damage. Because of this, there has been a reduction in the supply of vegetables arriving at city markets, resulting in the escalation of prices.

Tomato was available for Rs 15 per kg two weeks ago now costs Rs 35 per kg and brinjal costs Rs 30 against Rs 20 a fortnight ago. Cabbage costs up to Rs 35, up from  Rs 10, and lady's finger up to Rs 40.

Due to price control mechanisms, vegetables are available at Rythu Bazaars for 10 per cent less than in the open market.

Mr D. Bhupathi, the secretary of the Wholesale Traders’ Association, said, “We expect the prices to reduce by the end of this month or in early November when supplies resume.” He said wholesale markets had witnessed a 40 per cent drop in supply over the past 15 days.