6 days ago
Heavy rainfall shoots price of green veggies in city markets
Ranchi: Excessive rainfall across the state has led to extensive damage to vegetable crops, triggering a steep surge in retail prices. Prices of green vegetables have more than doubled in the past month, with tomatoes now selling at Rs 60 per kg and capsicum Rs 120 per kg.
Most green vegetables are now priced above Rs 40, with French beans hitting Rs 200 per kg and cauliflower Rs 100. Coriander leaves are being sold for Rs 250–Rs 300 a kg with supplies now coming in from Bengaluru and Bihar.
According to local vegetable vendors and farmers, the continuous rain over the past 18 days have caused waterlogging in fields, leading to the rotting of standing crops. Spinach and leafy greens have become rare in markets.
Atif Ansari, vegetable seller at Daily Market, said, "Unusual heavy rainfall this year has wreaked havoc on farming leading to a sharp surge in prices."
Vendors report that due to the surge in prices, sales volumes have sharply declined.
Shoppers too are switching to cheaper alternatives. "We're now using potatoes and pulses in place of green vegetables," said Nilu Tirkey from Ratu Road.
