Vegetable prices soar at Koyambedu; blame it on dry weather, poor supply

CHENNAI: A surge in prices of vegetables, from 15 to 20 per cent, at the Koyambedu wholesale market due to supply shortages from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and interior Tamil Nadu, has proved to be a double-whammy for people already suffering from scorching summer. The price rise is more visible in beans, broad beans and watery vegetables, say traders.

It is predicted the rates will increase or remain stable for at least a month as the crops are damaged due to the dry weather prevailing for the last few months.

“Almost all the vegetable rates have seen a hike compared to last months. The market used to receive 500 truckloads of perishable commodities. Now it has reduced to 460 vehicles. The primary reason for the low supply is dry weather, which has led to damaged crops in the State and neighbouring states. In Karnataka, almost after 30 years, the state did not receive rain till May. Usually, they’ll get rain in January or February. Still, there has been no rain for the last four months,” said P Sukumaran, secretary of the Koyambedu Wholesale Merchants’ Association.

Due to soaring heat, the crops are damaged, and the surge in price might continue for another month, traders said. If there is an intense spell in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka for at least a week, the situation might ease out temporarily. Until the summer heat subsides, the rate is likely to remain high, as a cold climate is required for better cultivation, according to the prediction of traders.

“Due to a spike in the vegetable price, the sale has also been impacted for the last few days. Initially, we were throwing the leftover vegetables, but only a limited amount of commodities have been purchased now due to a slide in sales, “ lamented R Girish, a retail vendor at New Washermenpet.