Alappuzha: The rise in vegetable production in Kerala has been a boon during the Onam season, with prices of some vegetables showing a decline. According to the Agriculture Department, production has been steadily increasing since 2016, from 7.25 lakh tonnes in 2016-17 to an estimated 17.21 lakh tonnes in 2024. However, farmers say the increase may not fully reflect in market prices due to higher cultivation costs.

Sujith Swami, a State Farmers Award winner, said production has risen due to the adoption of modern farming methods. “Although self-sufficiency has not yet been achieved, this increase is helping to keep prices down,” he added.

The State Economics and Statistics department reported that the average price of raw plantains on Monday was Rs 49.57 per kg, down from Rs 53.57 last year. The highest prices were recorded in Thiruvananthapuram and Idukki at Rs 60 per kg.

According to the National Sample Survey, Kerala requires an average of 20 lakh tonnes of vegetables annually.

Average prices per kg of selected vegetables on Monday (last year’s price in brackets) are: Onion – Rs 28 (54.14), Pumpkin – Rs 37 (24.14), Brinjal – Rs 56 (45.29), Okra – Rs 47 (34.43), Beans – Rs 61.50 (68.93), Cabbage – Rs 33.50 (40.64), Papaya – Rs 65.50 (55.57), Tomato – Rs 41.29 (30.43), Green chilli (100 gm) – Rs 8.71 (7.64).

Price hike held back

The vegetable market is closely monitored by the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare, Kerala. If prices rise significantly, the department can intervene and supply additional vegetables. “Promoting domestic production has been beneficial. This is the basis for holding back price hikes,” said Agriculture Minister P Prasad.

Vegetable production

YearProduction (in tonnes)
2017-1810.21
2018-1912.12
2019-2014.93
2021-2216.01
2022-2317.10
2023-2417.21