JOIN USThe delayed monsoon has hit the common man to a large extent — especially in terms of a steep rise in prices of essential food items, like fruits, vegetables, grains and pulses.
This hike hasn’t just restricted itself to food products, however; it has worked as a catalyst to up the prices of many other items and services, to the extent that even autorickshaw drivers are charging a little extra and citing increased prices as the main reason behind this.
“There has been a huge hike in the prices of many seasonal vegetables, as crops are getting damaged due to lack of rainfall.
We buy them at a higher price and are thus forced to sell at a higher price as well. People need to realise that even we need to make some money to cope with skyrocketing prices,” says Thanikasura, a vegetable vendor.
The average hike in prices of most vegetables is Rs 15 but for some, the difference amounts to Rs 20 as well. “Potatoes cost Rs 16 per kg two months ago but today, the price is around Rs 24 for a kilo.
A kilogram of beans, which is a seasonal vegetable and is available in plenty during the monsoon, has become extremely dear and now costs around Rs 80/kg — as compared to May, when it cost around Rs 40. However, the prices are expected to come down with the hope of some showers in North Karnataka,” informs Nithya, another vegetable vendor.
She adds that a kilogram of carrots cost around Rs 40 almost a month back, but now costs around Rs 60. Radish, which was available at Rs 20 per kg a month back, has now doubled in price.
The same stands true for fruits — the prices of most of them have skyrocketed and vendors say that many customers refuse to buy them. Watermelon, which is a seasonal fruit, cost Rs 15 for a kilogram a month back and now the price stands at Rs 25.
Bananas that were available for Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kilogram are now priced at Rs 24 for the same amount. Fruits like papaya used to cost Rs 20 earlier but the price has shot to Rs 25 now.
“Mangoes are the only fruits which are popular now. The delayed monsoon has ruined our business and we are feeling the pinch now,” adds Nithya.
There has been a major shift in the prices of the pulses per kilogram as well. Masoor dal (split orange lentils) cost around Rs 52 ten days ago and today, it is available at Rs 60. Arhar dal was available at Rs 68 earlier and now it is available at Rs 76.
Though wheat has had a very slight rise in price, the price of rice has gone up. Rice varieties which were available in the range of Rs 34 to 36 are now sold at Rs 38 to Rs 44
There has also been a slight change in the price of vegetable oil, which is now available in the range of Rs 80 to 100.
Rishav Arora, an IT executive, feels that buying pulses and vegetables have become very expensive. “I have been living in the City for the past five years now and I am sharing an apartment with friends.
Although it would seem that the price rise caused by the delayed monsoon wouldn’t have hit me much, I actually feel a huge hole in my pocket,” he sums up.