Vegetable prices skyrocket in Visakhapatnam amid Karthika season

VisakhapatnamVegetable prices skyrocket in Visakhapatnam amid Karthika season

 : The onset of the Karthika month has led to a sharp increase in vegetable prices across Visakhapatnam, putting a strain on household budgets. According to the ADM of Visakhapatnam, Yasheen said that the primary reason behind the price surge is the recent crop damage, which is caused by floods in the region. "The floods have destroyed many vegetable crops, leading to supply shortage in the market”.

The ADM while having a conversation with Deccan Chronicle further briefed that while the prices of staple vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and onions have remained relatively normal so far, the rates of other produce have soared high. The ADM noted that the prices of potatoes, onions, and tomatoes are expected to increase in the coming days as well

As of Monday, the retail price of tomatoes stood at Rs 42 per kg, while the Rythu Bazaar price was Rs 38 per kg. Brinjal varieties were priced between Rs 40 and Rs 52 per kg, and lady's finger (okra) retailed at Rs 32 per kg in the regular market and R 28 per kg in the Rythu Bazaar.

A budget of Rs 500 can hardly cover five or six types of vegetables, which is insufficient even for a week's consumption. The price hike has been attributed to the disruption in the supply chain caused by the recent cyclones in Andhra Pradesh. The natural disasters have delayed arrivals of vegetables from other states, leading to a scarcity in the local markets.

Retailers, taking advantage of the situation, are further inflating the prices, adding to the woes of the consumers. With the Karthika month underway, when many people avoid non-vegetarian food, the demand for vegetables has surged, exacerbating the crisis.