Vegetable prices soar as farm seeding hits wholesale supply

Following the agricultural norm of fresh seeding around mid-April, the wholesale supply of vegetables has taken a hit, thereby causing an exponential rise in the prices of vegetables like cauliflower, cluster bean, among others. However, green chili stood out as an exception as its price dropped by 40 per cent.

Explaining the reason behind the hike, Vashi agriculture produce market committee (APMC) traders said that after mid-April, supply of vegetables drops as farmers clean their field for fresh seeding. “Before monsoon, farmers keep ready for fresh seeding and the supply naturally drops,” mentioned one of the traders. The supply won't drop much in next 15 days but thereafter it will drop sharply and a price rise can be expected, he added.

On April 16, a total of 479 vegetable-laden vehicles arrived at APMC, while the figure stood at 593 on April 1. “More than 20 per cent supply dropped in the last fortnight. Thus a price rise is seen in retail,” said a Vashi APMC administrative official.

The price of cauliflower, which was around Rs 20 per kg, has now reached Rs 40 in the retail market. Even the price of cluster beans has sharply risen from Rs 60 to Rs 90 per kg. However, there is not much difference in tomato price as it is available at Rs 30 per kg.

Whereas, the chili price, which had reached Rs 200 per kg in retail, has come down to Rs 120 per kg. In the wholesale market, chili is available at Rs 55-60 per kg. The wholesale price of lemon has reached Rs 90 per kg which was around Rs 65 to Rs 70 per kg at the beginning of month. Many retailers have stopped keeping lemon as they are incurring huge loss.