Vegetable prices likely to witness 10 pc increase in city

Chennai

The wholesale vegetable prices in the city, which saw a rise only last week, are likely to go up further this week thanks to a shortage in farm produce in neighbouring states. According to the vendors, the trend is likely to continue for the next week.

“All vegetable and fruit prices are expected to see a 10 per cent increase,” said P Sukumaran, secretary, Koyambedu Wholesale Market Merchants’ Association, attributing it to the rains damaging crops in neighbouring states.

“We are receiving the second crop for most vegetables. Due to the pandemic and lockdown, there is a shortage of farmhands and many are having issues in harvesting the crop. This trend should continue for the rest of the week,” he added.

Onion prices should remain stable for the week, but prices of other vegetables would continue to rise. Vendors expect the trend to continue, as the lockdown continues across the nation.

ONION: Rs 20/20 (Price last week/Expected price by KG)

TOMATOES: Rs 60/65

BEANS: Rs 55-60/60-65

DRUMSTICK: Rs 40/45-50