Why you have to pay more for vegetables...

The rising mercury levels are not the only reason to start praying to the rain gods. According to vegetable traders, the late arrival in the rains has forced them to increase the prices of vegetables.

Tomato prices have risen by 50 per cent (Rs 16 to 24 per kg), onion prices by 20 per cent (Rs 10 to 12 per kg) and potato by 33 per cent (Rs 12 to 16 per kg).

Any further delay in the arrival of the rains will mean more acute vegetable shortage and a further hike in their prices.
u00a0
Ashok Walunj, director, Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee, said, "Farmers are unable to sow the seeds due to the lack of rains.



So, we won't get the July stock in time and prices will rise." Sahdev Chaudhari, a wholesaler from Byculla, echoed Walunj's views.

"Prices have risen due to the delay in the arrival of rains. In the coming months, prices may increase further."
u00a0
Raj Prajapati who sells Fenugreek (Methi leaves) bunches admitted that the lack of rains forced him to hike the price of one bunch from Rs 8 two weeks ago to Rs 10.
u00a0
Interestingly, even bigger outlets and shopping malls are finding it difficult to quote lower prices for their vegetables (see box).
u00a0
Atul Takle, head corporate communication, Pantaloon Retail Ltd (Big Bazaar), said, "We cannot speculate how much the prices will go up."

Meanwhile, buyers have begun to feel the pinch. Said Yasmeen Begum, "Two weeks ago, I bought tomatoes for Rs 16 per kg, but now I have to shell out Rs 8 more per kg. I hope it rains soon."

No relief in sight

According to Manjushree Tadvalkar, CEO, Inora Institute for Natural Organic Agriculture (a Pune-based NGO), "Despite the delay in the arrival of the rains, the government is not letting the farmers use water from dams, thus worsening the situation."

R V Sharma, deputy director, Regional MET department, is not hopeful of the prices coming down any time soon. "Even if it rains within the next three days, farmers will face water scarcity for at least this month.

Only if it rains heavily in July and August can this problem be tackled to some extent," said Sharma.

Rates in Big Bazaar