The advent of the Southwest monsoon and the subsequent floods in the low-lying regions of Delhi have led to a significant surge in vegetable prices, greatly impacting the financial constraints faced by local families.
Tomatoes are currently being sold at exorbitant rates ranging from INR 130 to 240 per kilogram or even higher in multiple locations across the national capital, including Azadpur Mandi.
According to wholesalers, the prices of vegetables, including tomatoes, have witnessed a twofold increase over the past two weeks, resulting in a significant 40 percent reduction in sales.
“People are buying tomato puree instead of tomatoes. I am only bringing 5 kgs tomatoes these days as sales are low. Earlier, when the rates were nominal, I used to sell tomatoes 20 to 25 kgs per day,” said Amar, a vegetable vendor in Laxmi Nagar.
“Daily vegetables including bottle gourd are being sold at INR 70 per kg. Capsicum at INR 80 per kg, bitter gourd at INR 65 per kg, Green coriander at INR 500 per kg, lady finger at 130 per kg,” said Manoj, a wholesaler at Azadpur Sabzi Mandi.
“The price of green cucumber has gone to INR 80 per kg, colocasia at INR 130 per kg, French beans at INR 220 per kg, Ginger at INR 400 to 470 per kg, black brinjal at INR 100 to 120 per kg, pointed gourd at INR 100 to 120 per kg,” he said.
The recent surge in tomato prices is being attributed to the detrimental impact of heavy rainfall on the supply chain. Vegetable vendors and wholesalers are identifying the rain as the primary factor causing disruptions in the tomato supply, consequently resulting in a substantial increase in retail prices for this crucial kitchen staple.
“Now due to flooding in several parts of the national capital, the movement of commercial vehicles has been stopped at the border areas of the city which will also be leading to more hike in the prices of vegetables,” said Anar Chand, a vegetable vendor at Azadpur Mandi.