Vegetable prices skyrocket as supply dips

Shortage of rainfall in regions that grow vegetables has caused a steep dip in supply resulting in prices of veggies skyrocketing. Chikkaballapur, Magadi, Kolar and Kanakapura regions that predominantly supply vegetables to Bengaluru City received less than usual rainfall this year. Hence the shortage of vegetables has caused the prices to go high. One kilogram of tomato that cost Rs 20 to Rs 30 last week, has gone up to Rs 70 this week. The price of carrot has also gone up from Rs 50 to Rs 60, ochra too is costly now with Rs 40 and beans Rs 35, reports Kannada Prabha.

Pre-monsoon rains were good and the prices of vegetables were stable. However, weak monsoon affected the vegetable output and the prices have gone up. Common public are spending more for lesser vegetables. President of Vegetables and Fruits Traders' Association RV Gopi says the inflow of vegetables into the market has reduced drastically and hence the prices have gone up. This trend may stay for some more time.

Along with vegetables, the prices of groceries too have gone up. The traders are citing GST as the reason for price rise. GST has imposed 5 per cent tax on agricultural produce. For example, paddy is exempted from GST but is imposed on rice. Several food items have come under GST and hence the price rise, say the traders.

• Vegetable price skyrockets
• Shortage of rain cause for price rise
• karnataka