Vegetable Prices In Karnataka Double In Last Week Due To Unseasonal Rains

Following the rise in petrol and diesel prices, residents of Bengaluru are now facing soaring vegetable prices. The cost of tomatoes has soared past Rs 100, while beans have reached over Rs 200. This week, the prices for most vegetables have doubled or even tripled compared to last week. Vegetable prices in local markets have surged dramatically. For instance, tomatoes are now priced between Rs 100 and Rs 130, beans between Rs 180 and Rs 220, and garlic has reached between Rs 290 and Rs 360. This significant increase is causing distress among the general populace. Popular markets like KR Market, Malleshwar, Gandhi Bazar, and Hebbal Market continue to be well-stocked, yet the high prices are causing confusion among consumers.

Current vegetable prices in Karnataka as of June 21st are as follows:

– Tomatoes: Rs 100 – Rs 130

– Beans: Rs 180 – Rs 220

– Eggplant: Rs 100

– Bell Pepper: Rs 80 – Rs 100

– Capsicum: Rs 100 – Rs 120

– Radish: Rs 60 – Rs 90

– Nuts: Rs 175 – Rs 190

– Ginger: Rs 190 – Rs 260

– Garlic: Rs 290 – Rs 360

– Cumin: Rs 90 – Rs 120

The sharp decrease in tomato production within the state has led to reduced yields in areas like Mandya, Kolar, Kanakapura, Kadur, and Maddur, forcing Bengaluru markets to rely on tomatoes imported from Maharashtra. This decline has similarly affected the prices of beans, garlic, and other vegetables, with predictions suggesting prices may continue to rise over the next month.

At the wholesale market in Madurai on Thursday, a 15 kg crate of tomatoes was sold for a whopping Rs 900, which is being described as the highest price hike in the last six months. The skyrocketing prices are a result of unseasonal rain in the district.

The summer rains that have continued since May are affecting the production and supply of crops and vegetables in the district, among other things. This has led to a drop in the arrival of vegetables in Madurai, with the region now relying on supplies from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra to meet daily needs. Due to logistics costs, the prices of vegetables, especially tomatoes, have only skyrocketed in the last two months.