Patna: Incessant rain and flooding have disrupted vegetable supplies in Patna, pushing up prices of several commonly used vegetables and adding pressure to household budgets.
Traders said harvesting has been affected by waterlogging in fields, while poor road conditions are making it harder and more expensive to transport produce to markets. Most vegetables are currently selling at higher rates than they did three months ago.
Onions, Green Vegetables See Sharp Rise
Onions are currently priced at Rs 56 per kg, compared with Rs 25 previously. Coriander leaves have risen to Rs 160 per kg from Rs 120, while capsicum is selling at Rs 100 per kg, up from Rs 80.
Pointed gourd is priced at Rs 60 per kg, compared with Rs 40 earlier. Brinjal has doubled to Rs 60 per kg from Rs 30, while red amaranth has increased from Rs 40 to Rs 60.
Long beans have also risen from Rs 30 to Rs 60 per kg. Ridge gourd, okra, tomatoes and cabbage are selling at around Rs 40 per kg, compared with Rs 30 previously.
Some Prices Move Lower
Not all vegetables have become more expensive. Ginger is currently selling at Rs 80 per kg, down from Rs 120, while green chillies have fallen from Rs 80 to Rs 60.
Chathail has also declined from Rs 80 to Rs 50 per kg. Radish remains unchanged at Rs 50 per kg.
Red potatoes are priced at Rs 18 per kg, compared with Rs 15 earlier, while white potatoes have increased from Rs 12 to Rs 14 per kg.
Transport Disruptions Add To Costs
Traders said persistent rainfall is preventing farmers from harvesting vegetables normally and disrupting the movement of produce from fields to markets.
Waterlogging on roads has also increased transportation difficulties and costs. Traders said prices of green vegetables are particularly sensitive to weather conditions because of their dependence on regular supplies.
Further Rise Possible
Traders said vegetable prices could increase further in the coming days if rainfall continues and supplies from producing areas do not return to normal.
The extent of any further increase will depend on weather conditions, harvesting activity and the movement of fresh produce into Patna’s markets.
