As the scorching summer temperatures continue to soar, vegetable prices are on the rise in various parts of India, with Chennai bearing the brunt of the increase. The city has witnessed a sharp spike of at least 25% in vegetable prices over the past week, attributed to factors like escalating labour and transport costs, as well as significant wastage of produce due to the intense heat.
Notable price hikes have been observed, with beans, for instance, seeing a substantial increase from 110 to 180 rupees per kilogram within a week. The soaring day temperatures, nearing 40°C in Chennai and reaching up to 42°C in vegetable-producing regions, are expected to further drive up rates, according to local vendors.
The president of the Licensed Merchants Association at Periyar Vegetable Market in Koyambedu, highlighted the adverse impact of the heat on vegetable production. He noted a significant decrease in supplies from producer markets in districts such as Kancheepuram, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, leading to a 20% reduction in vegetable arrivals at the market.
This decline in supply has particularly affected the prices of carrots, beans, and beetroots, which have witnessed a surge due to the scarcity of produce. While certain vegetables like brinjal and cabbage have maintained consistent supply levels, the heightened demand for these items has resulted in price escalations, despite stable availability. The situation reflects the broader challenges faced by consumers, vendors, and stakeholders in the vegetable market as the summer heat continues to impact agricultural output across the region.
