With high demand, veggie prices keep rising in open market

Kochi: All special Onam markets opened by state agriculture department and other agencies will come to a close on Saturday.Agriculture department said that they had kept the prices of most vegetables under control in their markets. However, in the open markets, there had been a steady rise in prices, especially by mid-week since Atham.The markets slowly began to rise, and now there are very few vegetables for Rs 20-30/kg. The prices of carrot, raw mango, lime and raw bananas were above Rs 100 in all markets. Tomato prices, which had been rising in May-June, have come down to Rs 30. Prices of carrots are still between Rs 90-100, while lemon costs Rs 100-120. Raw mango, an ingredient in pickles and pachadi, costs Rs 400/kg. Ginger costs about Rs 180 and raw bananas are priced at Rs 90-100.Market traders said that there was no shortage of horticulture crops, and there has been a steady flow of items into the market and it will increase further."We were prepared and well stocked for meeting the demand. Our only concern was this constant campaign that we are not having Onam celebrations. The markets will continue for some more days even after Onam because people will come back and have community Onam," said KK Asharaf, general secretary, Ernakulam market stall owners' association.The reason for carrot prices being so high was because farmers had cut down the cultivated area this time, he said.There are several small-scale farmers who are left with the challenge of selling their produce. "Some of us are having small quantities. Initially, we used to sell by the roadside because the cost of transport to the market was not profitable. But now, we are being asked not to sit on the roadside," said Thomas, a farmer from Thodupuzha.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !