Storm in vegetable basket: Tomato prices jump to Rs 150 per kg, green chillies selling at Rs 100

Storm in vegetable basket: When Cyclone Biparjoy passed over India, it brought damage and destruction to people living on the western coast of the country. As the cyclone slowed down, it left behind a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm led to widespread destruction of standing crops, as a result, the prices of vegetables have skyrocketed in various parts of the country.

In Burhanpur Agricultural Produce Market, the wholesale price of many seasonal vegetables has gone through the roof. The prices of many vegetables that were selling for Rs 50 a few weeks back have crossed Rs 100, which further rise as they reach the end consumer through retail sellers. 

According to wholesale traders, on average, tomatoes and green chillies cost Rs 30 per kg. But the same tomato is now selling for Rs 100 to Rs 150 per kg. Similarly, price of green chillies has also increased to over Rs 100. Over the same period of time, the prices of other vegetables have increased four-fold. As a result, even retail traders are hesitant in purchasing stocks from the wholesale market due to inflated prices.

As the crops of the local farmers have been ruined by the storm, traders at this vegetable market are worried due to the lack of local supply of seasonal vegetables and relying on vegetables coming from Maharashtra. The wholesalers say that the unseasonal rainfall and storms have harmed the crops.

Zee Business found that in Muhana Mandi, Jaipur, the prices of tomatoes and ginger have skyrocketed in recent days. Tomatoes are now selling between Rs 60 to Rs 65 per kg, and ginger retailing at Rs 190 to Rs 195 per kg. 

Rahul Tavar, the president of Vegetable Wholesalers Association at Muhana, said that the prices of lemon and bitter gourd have also increased. The price for lemon ranges between Rs 25 and Rs 30 per kg and bitter gourd is selling between Rs 20 and Rs 25 per kg. 

A steep rise in the price of apple gourd (tinda) has also been reported, with prices now ranging between Rs 35 and Rs 40 per kg.