Soaring surge in vegetable prices; cost of shallots, drumsticks reaches unprecedented heights

Kochi: Vegetable prices in the state have skyrocketed, affecting the daily lives of people. The rates have risen by upto 120 percent. For example, shallots which cost around Rs 40-50 in the beginning of May, now have their price set between Rs 80-88, for every kilogram. The same is the case with drumstick, beans and garlic.

The price of green chilly has increased from Rs 40-42 to Rs 80-85 per kg. Similarly, the price of carrots have increased from Rs 55 to Rs 90, for every kilogram. Ginger is currently priced around Rs 200-210 per kg in the market. In the same manner, a steep rise has been noted in the prices of tomatoes and bitter gourds as well.

It is said that some super and hypermarkets are currently selling vegetables at way higher prices than the above mentioned prices. The shortage in production is being cited as the major reason behind the skyrocketing prices of vegetables. Untimely rainfall in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh led to the unprecedented rise in prices of the essential food items.

Prices of pulses including green gram, dhal, and chickpeas have plummeted as well. For example, a kilogram of green gram is now available for Rs 140 in the market.