Shocking!! Increase in the prices of vegetables in Chennai
Already, the scorching summer heat is creating many issues for the residents of Chennai. Now, the hike in the vegetable prices has increased their woes.
The shortage of vegetable supply from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and interior TN has resulted in a surge in the vegetable prices (from 15% to 20%) in the Koyambedu market.
As per some vegetable traders, the increase in the prices is witnessed in beans, broad beans and watery vegetables etc. The dry weather that has been present in the last few months has damaged the crops and due to that reason the supply of vegetables has reduced now. The rates would remain stable or increase for about a month.
From 500 truckloads of perishable commodities that the Koyambedu market received in the past, the market now receives just 460truckloads now. Dry weather has been cited as the prime cause for the poor supply of vegetables in the market. It is really shocking to note that in Karnataka there were no rains till May month and this has happened after 30 long years. This was mentioned by Mr. P. Sukumaran, secretary of Koyambedu Wholesale Merchants Association.
It was then mentioned by another vegetable trader that due to the scorching heat the crops have been damaged. He added that the increase in the vegetable prices might continue for another month. It is noteworthy that the situation might become better if it rains in AP or Karnataka for about a week. Cold weather is needed for the cultivation of crops is known.
It was brought out by a retail vendor in New Washermenpet in north Chennai that vegetable sales have been affected in the last few days due to increase in the prices. He spoke about how initially the leftover vegetables were thrown away. He concluded that due to decrease in sales a limited amount of commodities have been purchased.
