Price rise stands in way of grand Onam feast

KOCHI: Price rise of essential goods and vegetables has hit the Onam celebrations. The sumptuous feast on Onam may not be as grand as usual due to exorbitant rise in prices of essential goods. From pulses to vegetables, price of all essential goods have gone up during the last couple of weeks pinching the wallet of common people. Banana chips, which tops the Onam feast menu is selling Rs 360 to Rs 400 per kg. The price of most of the vegetables and fruits has escalated in last few weeks.

Meanwhile, the Onam – Bakrid special trade fair launched by Supplyco in the city, where the goods are priced less, is drawing huge crowds. Banana (njalipoovan) is selling at Rs 100 to Rs 120 per kg while banana (nendran) is priced at '75 to '80. Compared to last year price of banana (nendran) has almost doubled. Though the consumers are hit by the soaring price, farmers are happy that they get good price for their production.

Extra money has to be doled out to buy small onion and beans to prepare ‘Sambar’ and ‘Aviyal’ for Onam feast. Onion (small), tomato, French beans, mango, cowpea, carrot, beetroot and bitter gourd are some of the expensive vegetable varieties. Though there is high demand for locally produced vegetables from areas like Kuruppa-mpady, Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha and Koothattukulam, the produces are not reaching markets in the city as they are being sold through local outlets.