Alappuzha: The vegetable market has been experiencing price fluctuations as the Sabarimala festival season begins to impact the market. While the prices of some items have shot up, others that had been expensive recently have seen a slight decrease.

The prices of onions, potatoes, bitter gourd, green chilies, and mangoes have dropped slightly. However, the price of tomatoes and other items has risen. Despite business not being as expected, traders are relieved that the vegetable market has become somewhat active after the Onam festival and are hopeful that it will pick up in the coming days.

Along with these price fluctuations, the financial difficulties faced by people are also severely affecting the market, said V.A. Fazaluddin, President of the Alappuzha Fruits and Vegetables Merchants Association.

Onions, which were priced at Rs. 70 per kilogram in Alappuzha a week ago, are now priced at Rs. 60-65. Potatoes have dropped by Rs. 10 to Rs. 50. Beans, which were Rs. 160, are now priced at Rs. 70. The price of cauliflower has decreased from Rs. 70 to Rs. 60, while bitter gourd has reduced from Rs. 80 to Rs. 60. Meanwhile, the price of tomatoes has increased by Rs. 20 to Rs. 50. The price of ladyfinger has surged from Rs. 30 to Rs. 70, and carrots, which were priced at Rs. 60-70, are now Rs. 90.

The price of coconuts, which are in high demand during the festival season, has increased from Rs. 60 to Rs. 70 per coconut, compared to a week ago. (Prices may vary slightly depending on location.)

Setback for Farmers

The rumors about the presence of bacteria in state chicken, which can survive medication, have also caused setbacks for farmers. There has been a considerable drop in the price and sales of poultry, according to S.K. Naseer, General Secretary of the All Kerala Poultry Federation.

Traders now prefer chicken from Tamil Nadu, meaning local farmers are unlikely to benefit much during the Christmas season, according to the farmers.

There are restrictions on duck farming in Alappuzha district. Even though the market is becoming more active, it is still a difficult time for farmers, says farmer Bency. Ducks are also being brought in from Tamil Nadu, and some farmers are allegedly circumventing the restrictions and raising ducks themselves.