Consumers see red over tomato prices

Bengaluru: Vegetable prices are burning a hole in consumers’ pockets, with even staples like tomatoes now priced at Rs 120 and Rs 140 per kilo. Brinjal prices have tripled from Rs 30 to Rs 90 per kilo at K.R. Market.

Vegetable vendors at KR Market say unseasonal rains are the main reason for the hike in vegetable prices. They said the price of cucumbers has also increased from Rs 30 per kg to Rs 60 per kg despite inclement weather.

“There is no stability in vegetable prices due to heavy rainfall across the state. The majority of the crops have been damaged,” says Annadurai, a vegetable vendor at K.R. Market.

Potatoes are sold at Rs 30 to Rs 50; beans are priced at Rs 80 per kg while carrots cost Rs 80 per kg as against Rs 30 per kg last week. Spinach costs between Rs 40 to Rs 50, capsicum are being sold at Rs 150 and peas Rs 220 per kilogram, coriander and curry leaves Rs 30 to 40 per bunch, according to traders.

Meanwhile, RV Gopi, president, Vegetables Traders’ Association, says the government should provide subsidies and grants to farmers in rural areas to increase agricultural produce.

“The prices of vegetables have gone up due to a short supply of vegetables to the market. Most of the crops were damaged due to heavy rains during the last two weeks,’’ said Gopi. Nisha Pawar, a homemaker, says she can’t afford tomatoes or leafy vegetables.

(Contributed by M.S Kavyashri and Shreya B.R)