With onset of monsoon, prices of staple vegetables see a rise

The rise in vegetable prices in markets across the city have started giving an extra pinch to Mumbaikars' wallets. Prices of staple vegetables have seen nearly a 10 per cent spike in the past fortnight, and an average 25-50 per cent jump over the past month. The highest jump was of tomatoes and coriander which were sold at Rs 30-40 per kg/ bunch two weeks ago, and are now being sold in the range of Rs 60 to 100 per kg/ bunch respectively. Vendors attributed the price rise to excessive rains in Latur, Pune and Satara districts of Maharashtra, from where most of the vegetable produce is sourced.

Harilal Sahu, a vegetable vendor in Cuffe Parade said, "Vegetable prices keep fluctuating anyway. Excessive rains cause the price of vegetables like tomatoes and coriander to spike. From a week or two ago, prices of tomatoes and coriander have increased steeply and almost doubled."

Pankaj Singh, vegetable vendor from Colaba Market said, "Prices of other vegetables, even with fluctuations, are not beyond five to 10 per cent from the prices of the past fortnight."

Ramdas Vare, a vegetable vendor near Grant Road station said, "Tomatoes, if not stored properly, are prone to damage. Excessive rain in the interiors of Maharashtra has only added to our dilemma. We usually buy produce from Vashi's Plaza market and Dadar's Kohinoor market, but it is difficult to obtain good stock even from here. This leaves the customers disappointed."

Another vendor added, "Customers are visiting less often ever since the price of tomatoes has doubled. This dip in sales is bound to continue until the prices go back to normal." What adds to the rise in prices is vendors being forced to throw a minimum of 5 kg from every 50 kg of vegetables purchased in June-July, as the rains spoil most of the produce.

Meanwhile,consumers have also voiced their concerns over the price rise and the poor quality of the vegetables.

"I run a catering business and have no other option but to buy vegetables daily, neither can I cut down on my usage, since tomatoes and coriander form staple ingredients of the Indian cuisine", said Deepali Lagad, a resident of Tardeo.