Kochi: With the onset of monsoons, kitchen budgets are disrupted as the prices of vegetables are skyrocketing. Following the surge in tomato prices, green chillies have also crossed the Rs 100 per kilogram mark. Retail markets are now selling green chillies for Rs 110-120 per kilo. In a span of just two weeks, the price of green chillies increased from Rs 20-25 to Rs 80 in the second week of June. 

The price of small onions increased from Rs 80-88 to Rs 100 while ginger prices rose from Rs 200 to Rs 230. Tomatoes are currently priced at Rs 115.

The surge in vegetable prices is due to crop damage caused by heavy rains and a reduction in vegetable supplies. Traders say that with the monsoon season settling in, further price hikes are expected in the coming days.

Vegetables are mainly sourced from Andhra Pradesh. But the state faced significant crop damage due to heavy rainfall. Consequently, there was a reduction of up to 70 percent in vegetable supplies to retail markets. Further, due to low rainfall, states including Karnataka, have witnessed decreased yields, contributing to the price increase.

Meanwhile, carrot prices have come down from Rs 90 to Rs 84, and the price of drumsticks has decreased from Rs 100 to Rs 40-50.

Vegetables (price Rs per kg) 
Curry lime - 100
Chembu (large) - 110-120
Beans - 100
Beetroot - 57
Lady finger - 53