High price of veggies dampens festive mood

On Wednesday, the Koyambedu Vegetable and Fruit market thronged with buyers. But many had to cut their budgets as prices of vegetables and fruits shot up by Rs 10 per kg, a change from what they paid last week. 

S Chandran, president of the Koyambedu Vegetable Wholesale Merchants Association says, “Prices of fruits and vegetables are up by Rs 5 to 10 per kg between Jan 12-14. This is due to households buying in bulk around this time. 

Although the prices of the vegetables vary on a day to day basis, this year, people will have to pay more.” While the prices of veggies are high, people buying from retail outlets end-up paying even more. “Nothing here is below Rs 50,” says S. Ishwari, who shopped at Aminjikarai. 

Even the cost of sugar-cane, a festive staple is high. “A bundle that comprises 20 sugar-cane shoots, costs Rs 250. Last year, it cost about Rs 100. 

A lot of the crops were destroyed during the rain and the business is low,” says S  Kumar, a shopkeeper.