Low yield results in prices of veggies to soar; relief within a month

MANGALORE: With low yield in growing areas of Malnad in May, the coastal areas are seeing a steady rise in prices of all vegetables. Over the past fortnight, the prices of most commonly-used vegetables have doubled making consumers cringe while buying the usual quantity and opt for half of it. David D'Souza, a retail vegetable vendor at the Central Market, said vegetable prices have shot up as most areas from where the coast procures vegetables have seen a fall in the yield. "Though more than 20% of the vegetables, especially leafy vegetables, that arrive at the market are locally cultivated, low yield has seen prices rise," he said. The prices of drumstick, beans, string beans, cauliflower, snake gourd and bottle gourd have increased considerably in the local market. While the price of drumstick was Rs 40 per kg in May, it has gone up to almost Rs 100 in June. Similarly, the prices of beans and string beans which was Rs 45 and Rs 55 in May have increased to Rs 80 and Rs 75 respectively at the Central market and Hopcoms in June. Pradeep D'Souza, MD, Hopcoms, said, "The yield was less in areas like Chikmagalur and Shimoga where we procure the produce from. This will continue for nearly a month. As the Malnad region is getting good rain this monsoon, the prices should stabilize in a month." Veena, a housewife from Gorigudda said that the rise in prices is shocking to say the least. "It has been sudden. I used to buy enough for a week, now I buy half the quantity expecting prices to drop in the coming days. We are depending mainly on vegetables since the prices of fish and poultry has also gone up considerably." -TOI