Vegetable prices surged by 20 percent in Chennai

CHENNAI: Prices of vegetables increased further by 20 percent at Koyambedu wholesale market due to short supply after heavy rains in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. With a short supply likely to continue for a few more weeks, vegetable prices are not likely to come down anytime soon, said sources.

"The supply has been reduced from 7,000 tonnes to 5,000 tonnes of vegetables now, as intense rainfall damaged the crop production in TN, and neighbouring states. Almost 70 percent of the stock arrives from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Now it has decreased, which led to an increase in prices by 20 percent," said R Muthukumar, a semi-wholesale trader at Koyambedu market.

Tomato rates have doubled since last week and sold for Rs 40 per kg, and are likely to reduce in the next ten days. However, the other vegetables are expected to remain stable or increase further for another month. In addition, as Tamil month Puratasi is to begin from next week, the demand for commodities is expected to rise. And the rates will also surge.

Currently, onions are sold for Rs 20 per kg, potato Rs 35 per kg, carrots Rs 60 - Rs 90 per kg, beetroot Rs 50 per kg, radish Rs 40 per kg, bitter gourd Rs 35 per kg, and peas Rs 180 per kg.

With the prices increasing in the wholesale markets, the city retailers sell the vegetables at additional prices of Rs 10 - Rs 20 per kg. "To avoid wastage of the products, we sell the vegetables at a lower price. We have only added the transportation cost. If not, there won't be any profit for us," said K Murugesan, a retailer at New Washermenpet.