Vegetable prices in Delhi soar on heavy rains

The prices of major vegetables have moved by 20-30% from July 1 to July 25

Vegetable prices in and around Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) have moved up sharply over the past fortnight. While the central government has taken steps to control the spike in prices, incessant rains in areas adjoining the capital have impacted prices. Also, the Centre has limited role to play when it comes to vegetables, as production is highly localised while markets are fragmented and unregulated.

Data sourced from Mother Dairy and other traders show that at least in the wholesale markets of NCR, the prices of major vegetables have moved by 20-30 per cent from July 1 to July 25.

Bhindi (okra) prices in the wholesale markets have become costlier by 28 per cent from July 1 to 25; cabbage has moved up 22 per cent; French beans by Rs 5 a kg; while karela (bitter gourd) has become costlier by Rs 12 a kg in the wholesale markets during the same period.

In the retail markets of NCR, prices of some vegetables have moved up by Rs 10 a kg during July 1-25.

"July and August happen to be the month of harvest for most vegetables. This year, the rains have been good in the adjoining areas, resulting in 30-40 per cent of the crop getting damaged in the field itself," said a senior official with a Delhi-based vegetable retail firm.

He said prices would settle down in the next 10-15 days and ease after new harvest starts coming into the market and if there is some let-up in rains.

The data showed that among all vegetables, only cucumber prices showed some signs of easing in the wholesale markets of Delhi-NCR in the past fortnight.

Vegetable prices are a politically sensitive issue and the Congress is likely to target the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Parliament on the issue.