JOIN USFluctuating prices of commodities confuse people
Rising inflation has been a cause of worry for the people, especially those in the lower middle class or below poverty line.
Though these sections of the people neither have the time nor the inclination to worry over the rising gold prices and global market, the day-to-day fluctuation in rates of essential commodities are putting them in a fix.
The prices of the vegetables, which are normally high during this season has crashed. The snap stir by the farmers demanding support price at the APMC yard on Sunday over the sudden crash in prices of cucumbers and French beans is one example.
The residents of the city are a confused lot as the prices of vegetables are usually high in the months of November and December — which are Karthika and Margashira masas according to Kannada calendar, considered holy for Hindus.
A majority of them shun non-vegetarian food and follow ‘vrath’. It is also called as the month of pilgrimage for many men who pay a visit to ‘Sabarimala’, after following a strict regime of prayers and fasting, consuming only vegetarian food.
Commenting on the decline in prices, Mahesh, a supervisor at the APMC yard, said the sudden crash in prices was because the APMC was closed on Saturday and the produce that arrived at the market on Sunday was more.
Cucumbers, beans and other vegetables are supplied to the market from Nagamangala, Pandavapura, Bannur, and surounding places from Mysore taluk. Carrots and green peas are supplied from Ooty and cabbage from Chikmagalur. The rate of cucumbers and beans were still sold at Rs 8 per kg on Monday. He predicted that the prices will be fluctuating and is set to soar in the next month.
While it is a matter of temporary relief for the people, the change in the cycle and the report of early flowering of mango trees due to global warming is a cause for concern among scientists.
The rate of chrysanthemum and other flowers have increased and is being sold at the prices that matched the festival season.
The price of coconuts have increased by Rs 5 per piece. As coconuts are an integral part of the ‘irumudi’ (a bundle) that is being carried by Ayyappa devotees, the prices have increased. Surprisingly, it is the smaller sized coconuts that are in demand, as it is opened, filled with ghee and offered to the deity, said Ananthkumar, a devotee.
Perumal, a flower vendor said the hike in chrysanthemum is also because this is the end of the season. However, there is news to cheer for chicken lovers as the prices have considerably come down and is being sold at Rs 80 per kg while it was more than Rs 120 just a month ago.