Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu): Due to heavy rainfall over the past few days, vegetable prices have skyrocketed in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, making it difficult for both traders and consumers to keep up with the rising costs.

The ongoing northeast monsoon has severely disrupted the transport and supply of vegetables from key agricultural centres in the state, leading to a steep rise in retail prices in local markets.

According to a local trader, Rajesh, “Prices are really high because of the rains. We are hopeful that the prices may fall next week. All the vegetables are sold at a high price. Beans are sold at Rs 200, broad beans are sold at Rs 200, eggplants are Rs 200, and drumsticks are sold at Rs 80. All the vegetables are costly.”

Residents too voiced concern over the unaffordable prices of essential vegetables and urged government intervention to bring the rates under control.

Meanwhile, a local resident, Chinnathurai, says, “The prices of all the vegetables are high. The cost of eggplant is Rs 200 per kg, broad beans are Rs 200, and drumstick is Rs 100 per kg. All the other vegetables' prices are also high. People like us are not able to afford the price of these vegetables. Government should take steps to control the price.”

Another resident, Nagalakshmi, expressed empathy for farmers despite the high prices.

“After rains, farmers have given this produce to the market. Even though the prices are high, we are buying the vegetables considering the handwork of farmers,” she said.

While the spike in prices has burdened households across Thoothukudi, both traders and consumers remain hopeful that as the rains subside and supply chains normalise, vegetable prices will soon stabilise.