Skyrocketing vegetable prices pinching pockets

Skyrocketing prices of vegetables in the markets in Gadag are pinching the pockets of common people.

It was expected that prices of vegetables would come down after Deepavali. However, it seems that prices have doubled, putting common people in worry. Onion and tomato prices have increased drastically. At present, tomato is being sold at Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kg and good quality onion price has crossed Rs 40 per kg.

Prices of carrot, green chilli, brinjal, beans, cabbage, cluster beans, ladies finger and other vegetables have also increased.

Excessive rains that lashed various parts of the district in rabi season have adversely affected growth of the vegetables and yield has decreased. As a result, supply of vegetables from the district itself has come down, leading to rise in prices. Besides, amount of the vegetables which was being brought to Gadag markets from Haveri, Savanur, Koppal, Harihar, Davanagere and Arasikere, has also decreased.

A box of tomato (23 kg) costs Rs 1,400 to Rs 1,600. Everyday, about 350 to 500 boxes of tomato were being brought to the main vegetable market in Gadag. However, at present only 150 to 200 boxes of tomato are being brought due to shortage of supply.

Vegetable vendors in the city said, prices of the vegetables have increased due to shortage of supply. After excessive rains lashed the district, vegetable grown in the fields at various rural areas have been destroyed, they stated.