Recent heavy rains and cyclones in Andhra Pradesh have severely damaged vegetable crops, leading to an anticipated increase in vegetable prices across the state.
While the impact has not yet been felt in Rythu Bazaars due to current supply levels, private vendors have already started raising their prices. G. Prasad, the estate manager of MVP Rythu Bazaar, forecasts a significant gap between demand and supply over the next 20 days.
Private vendors predict a 25 to 30 percent increase in vegetable prices in September compared to August. The flooding of large agricultural areas, which supply the state’s vegetables, has exacerbated the situation.
“Vegetable crops have been devastated by heavy rains and storms in the two Telugu states. This will result in a vegetable shortage and higher prices. For instance, the price of green chilies has surged from 36 per kg on Sunday to 242 per kg on Monday,” Konda Babu, the estate manager of Seethammadhara Rythu Bazaar, told Deccan Chronicle.
Estate managers at Rythu Bazaars also noted that the Shraavana Masam month typically sees reduced consumption of non-vegetarian food, which could further drive up vegetable prices. At Vizag Rythu Bazaars, tomatoes are currently priced at 24 per kg, while retail markets are selling them for over 240 per kg. Onions are priced at 246 per kg and are expected to rise further. Vizag’s onion supply comes from Nagpur, Solapur, and Kurnool markets. Other vegetable prices include ridge gourd at 36, ivy gourd (Dondakaya) at 37, teasel gourd (Akakarakaya) at 110, okra at 26, carrot at 230, beetroot at 26, and capsicum at 254, with carrots, beetroot, and capsicum sourced from Telangana.
Additionally, vegetables such as greens, bell peppers, okra, and ginger, which come from Anakapalle and ASR districts, are also affected by the recent crop damage. As a result, vegetable prices are expected to continue rising, with private traders already marking up their prices.
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