Sale of vegetables, flowers come down at Koyambedu

Following the government directive, vegetables are not sold much in retail and only less than 50 per cent of small traders from Kothavalchavadi and other markets are purchasing vegetables and fruits from the market between 6 am and 7 am.

“Earlier, we were receiving 25 per cent of supply from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh but that stopped after the borders got sealed. From last week we are receiving sufficient supplies, but it is remaining unsold, resulting in 50 per cent of business being affected. The prices of vegetables have been fluctuating from March,” said

P Sukumaran, secretary, Koyambedu Wholesale Merchants’ Association. Currently, a kilogram of onion is sold for Rs 25-30, tomato for Rs 15-20, beans Rs 70-80, broad beans Rs 30-40 and brinjal Rs 40-50.

The vendors at the flower market also face a major crisis as there are no temple festivals and weddings stand cancelled. At the end of the day, many are forced to dump the flowers.

“Our business is dependent on temple festivals and weddings, but after COVID-19 upsurge, all weddings have been cancelled. Small traders from Parry’s flower bazaar have also stopped coming. Even if we don’t take the flowers, the plants would die within a few days and we have to plant new saplings,” said S Mookandi, secretary of Koyambedu Flower Merchants Association.

“We are trying our best to sell the flowers even at a low price. Still, there are no takers,” he said adding that jasmine is being sold for Rs 40-per kg, damask rose Rs 10, rose Rs 10-20, marigold Rs 10–20 and tuberose Rs 10.