Veggie, fruit prices come down, but trade hit by rain

However, traders said this has not stepped up their sales, which has been hit by heavy rains in the last two days.

“The supply has increased compared to other days. Due to this, the prices has come down – except for onion and drumstick. Yet, the business has remained dull from Saturday due to heavy rain in the city, said P Sukumaran, secretary, Koyambedu wholesale market.

According to him, onion is being sold for Rs 90 per kg, beans for Rs 20 – Rs 30/kg, brinjal for Rs 15 – Rs 20/kg, beetroot for Rs 40 - Rs 50/kg, broad beans for Rs 25 – Rs 35/kg, ladies finger Rs 20 – 25/kg, carrot Rs 30 – Rs 40/kg and radish for Rs 40 – Rs 50/kg.

Fruits vendors have also seen up to 10 per cent fall in prices. “The prices have reduced after remaining high for two weeks. But there is not much business in the market. Even the usual vendors from Flower Bazaar did not purchase on Sunday,” said S Dhanasekar, secretary of Kai Kani Malar Podhu Nala Sangam.

At present, pomegranate is being sold for Rs 120/kg, apple for Rs 120 – Rs 170/kg, grapes (with seed) Rs 70/kg, and orange Rs 100/kg.

In contrast, flower prices have gone up due to shortage of supply, said S Mookandi, secretary, Koyambedu Malar Podhu Vyabarigal Sangam. “The demand for jasmine is more during muhurtham days. But receiving even 50 kg of jasmine has become difficult from Wednesday. Now, jasmine is being sold for Rs 900/kg, jasmine sambac for Rs 600 – Rs 750/kg, marigold Rs 100 – Rs 150/kg, pink jasmine Rs 300 – Rs 450/kg, rose Rs 160 – Rs 200/kg, and damask rose for Rs 100 – Rs 120/kg,” he said.