Rain, festivals keep vegetable prices high

BENGALURU: The Navaratri celebrations in the state have dealt a blow to people with the prices of vegetables, fruits, flowers skyrocketing. There has also been a short supply due to the recent heavy rainfall which damaged standing crops.

The prices of vegetables like eggplant (Rs 50/kg), cucumber (Rs 50/kg), beans (Rs 85/kg), radish (Rs 70/kg), carrot (Rs 94/kg), beetroot (Rs 60/kg), bitter gourd (Rs 70/kg), cauliflower (Rs 75/kg), tomato (Rs 36/kg) and onion (Rs 35/kg) have remained high throughout last week.

Nagaraj, a vegetable vendor.

The prices of green leaves have also increased. Coriander leaves cost Rs 100 per kg, curry leaves Rs 80 per kg, fenugreek leaves Rs 190 per kg, Palak leaves Rs 70 per kg, and Sabbakki (sabsige soppu) leaves Rs 207 per kg.

Vani, a housewife.

“The price of the vegetables spiked because of the rain and resultant crop damage. Compared to the previous week, the price is lower this week. In the coming days, it will drop further, “said Nagaraj, a vegetable vendor.

“We belong to a middle-class family. The vegetable price hike has affected us badly, and it is difficult to manage the home budget. And then, there is the festival tooo, “said Vani, housewife.