Hyderabad: Vegetables prices generally run higher in the months between February and October as it is the off season. However, vegetable prices in the market have decreased now as compared to the last year.
“The supply of vegetables is in surplus this year and hence they are being sold at a lower cost to reduce wastage. There still is a difference in terms of wholesale and retail prices ranging from Rs 5 to Rs 10. Last year, the main reason for increased prices was scarcity,” said Mr Sai Kumar, supervisor at a market yard.
Tomatoes were being sold for Rs 10 to Rs 15 against Rs 30 last year. Onions were way cheaper at Rs 16, against Rs 35 to Rs 40 last year. Carrots which were Rs 71 last year were being sold at Rs 31, less than half the price. Even potatoes which cost Rs 55 last year, were Rs 29 per kg.
“Price determination is made at the markets every morning at 5 am and is dependent on the supply available and the expectation rates. A list with new prices is generated every morning, leaving the farmers to maintain sales within the set parameters,” said the official.
Most of the vegetables come from Shamirpet, Medchal and other areas on the city outskirts. This is another reason for the drop in prices. Last year, the vegetables were being brought in from other states.
At Monda Market in Secunderabad, Mr Venkatesh, a local farmer, said, “We normally transport our yield in buses and tempos but of late we are have begun pooling autorickshaws as well.”
He said when prices drop, it does not always benefit farmers if the consumption is low. “If tomatoes are priced at Rs 25 per kg, we will be able to make up the costs even if we sell a lesser quantity. But when all of us sell tomatoes at Rs 10 per kg and end up selling 8 kg, that is a major loss.” He said it depended on the day’s sales spread out among all farmers who come to the market.
Mr Ravi from Wargal, about 50 km from the city, has been selling vegetables for 15 years, his family business.
At his counter at Rythu Bazaar, Mr Ravi said, “Over the years, the main reasons for the drop in prices is often excessive rain. Surplus production due to favorable weather can also result in a decline of rates.”
He said transportation of vegetables had become a financial burden due to the higher fuel rates. “Last year we used to pay around Rs 73 per litre and sell vegetables at a higher rate, resulting in profits. This year we are paying '86 per litre and are selling our vegetables at lower prices.”
While fluctuations continue to translate differently for farmers, people of the city welcome the shift in prices especially with Dasara and other festivals coming up.
