Kasaragod: Fruit and vegetable prices are skyrocketing, reaching as high as Rs. 100 to Rs. 200. Tomatoes, which were previously sold at Rs. 35 per kg, have now jumped to Rs. 80 per kg, with predictions of hitting Rs. 100 soon. "There is very little supply and the prices are very high. When the prices are high, people do not come to buy vegetables," Leela, a vegetable vendor in Palayam, told PTI.

Leela buys tomatoes for Rs. 80 per kilogram from wholesalers and has to sell them for at least Rs. 100 to make a profit. "But if I demand Rs. 25 for 250 grams, people refuse to buy."

The price of onions has risen from Rs. 26 to Rs. 40, while small onions have leapt to Rs. 120. Garlic is now priced between Rs. 180-200, and green chilies range from Rs. 120-180. Ginger is being sold at Rs. 160-180.

Drumsticks, which are one of the most favourite vegetables in Kerala curries, are priced at Rs. 200 per kg. Yard-long bean prices have decreased by Rs. 20, now charged Rs. 80. Green bananas are available at Rs. 55. Other vegetable prices include beans at Rs. 140, ladies' finger at Rs. 70, carrot at Rs. 80, beetroot at Rs. 50, cabbage at Rs. 60, Trichosanthes cucumerina at Rs. 60, bottle gourd at Rs. 40, pumpkin at Rs. 30, ash gourd at Rs. 40, ivy gourd at Rs. 60, brinjal at Rs. 60, potato at Rs. 40, and cucumber at Rs. 40.

The price of eggs has decreased to Rs. 6, last two days it was charged Rs. 6.40. 

Another vegetable vendor Sarasamma reported a lack of vegetables, she added that whatever was available was sold at a very high price. "The vegetable prices have been high for the last week. We get our supplies from both Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu. But there is widespread crop loss due to untimely rains in Tamil Nadu, and it has affected the supply," said Kumar, a vegetable wholesaler at Chala Market.

Out-of-season rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) is priced between Rs. 350-400. Mango prices have increased with the end of the season: Rumani mangoes start at Rs. 120, Mallika at Rs. 160, and Banganapalle at Rs. 140. Oranges have risen to Rs. 140 from Rs. 100, while apples are priced between Rs. 240-300. Other fruit prices include pomegranate at Rs. 180, pineapple at Rs. 70, guava at Rs. 140, grapes at Rs. 80, papaya at Rs. 50, kiwi at Rs. 120, dragon fruit at Rs. 200, sapodilla at Rs. 70, sweet lemon at Rs. 70, avocado at Rs. 200, cantaloupe at Rs. 50, plantain at Rs. 70, small banana at Rs. 60, and watermelon at Rs. 22.

Meat prices are also climbing, with mutton reaching Rs. 750 per kg from Rs. 650 due to the festive season. Chicken prices have dropped by Rs. 20, now priced Rs. 160. Beef has increased from Rs. 300 to Rs. 360.

Fish prices have also risen due to the 52-day annual trawling ban starting June 9. Price was directly affected by the fish supply shortage. Sardines, commonly sold for Rs. 100 or less, are now Rs. 300-400 per kg. Frozen sardines start at Rs. 300. 

"The price rise is there for every item, and we cannot even think of buying fish. The middle class is struggling a lot," said Anil Kumar, a retired employee.

Indian mackerel is priced at Rs. 300. Powdered mackerel starts at Rs. 140 and powdered Goldstripe sardinella at Rs. 200. Prawns are Rs. 300 per kg, and crab is Rs. 400. Tilapia costs Rs. 140, Kaduva Rs. 400, and Hamour Rs. 200. Dried fish prices are also high: prawn at Rs. 700, freshwater prawn at Rs. 400, mullan at Rs. 280, cynoglossus at Rs. 200, shark at Rs. 480, stingray at Rs. 260, Indian anchovy at Rs. 400, and common sole at Rs. 400 per kg. 
(with inputs from pti)