30 May,2015 07:35 AM IST | | Ankoor Anvekar
Prices have escalated by almost 50 per cent in the wholesale market due to low production across Maharashtra, resulting in retail price rise of anywhere between 5 to 10 per cent
With vegetable prices touching new highs every week, respite from the price rise will remain a distant dream until the monsoon sets in. The wholesale and retail prices of vegetables have witnessed a steady rise this week.
Traders at the wholesale APMC market in Vashi said the rising temperature has resulted in low production of vegetables across Maharashtra. They claimed that the heat also spoils a significant amount of the harvest during transportation from farms to markets.
Amongst the worst hit vegetables is beans, which is currently available in the retail market for Rs 180-Rs 200 per kg. Prices of capsicum, cauliflower, coriander and leafy vegetables have also risen by almost 50 per cent in the wholesale market. This has resulted in inflation of price by 5 to 10 per cent in the retail market. Sridhar Khandarkar, a vegetable trader at APMC market, said, "The prices have gone up this week.
Production of vegetables in the state during summer has fallen by 50 per cent, resulting in shortage and price rise. Just two days ago, beans were sold for Rs 70-R80 per kg. But on Friday, the price spiralled to Rs 200 per kg. The price depends on the supply coming to the market. The quantity of vegetables supplied fluctuates during summer due to low production."
