Household budgets in Telangana are under severe strain as vegetable prices continue to rise due to a significant supply shortage. The situation has been exacerbated by an initial heatwave followed by unseasonal rains, which severely impacted vegetable crops. This inflation in vegetable prices is hitting the poor and middle classes the hardest.
In Narayanapeta district, extreme summer temperatures followed by heavy rains have led to vendors selling some vegetables at Rs 100 per kg and others at Rs 80-90 per kg. Traders have been forced to import vegetables from Raichur and Yadgir in Karnataka, passing on transportation costs to consumers, further driving up prices.
In open markets, vegetable prices are Rs 10 to Rs 20 higher than in Rytu Bazaars. Bitter gourd and green chillies are selling at Rs 100 per kg, while ridge gourd and beans have exceeded Rs 120 per kg. Capsicum is priced at Rs 90 per kg, long beans at Rs 80 per kg, and cauliflower also at Rs 80 per kg. Bean seeds are being sold at Rs 200-240 per kg. Rytu Bazaars offer limited variety, primarily selling locally produced tomatoes, brinjals, and spinach.
Also Read: Hyderabad: Rising temperatures result in rise of vegetable prices
Relief is expected only with the arrival of Vanakalam vegetable crops in the market. The South-West monsoon is active across the state, and farmers are preparing their fields for vegetable cultivation.
In Armoor, Nizamabad district, vegetable prices have nearly doubled in just one week due to a reduction in the area under cultivation for vegetables and leafy greens. Consumers are noting that vegetable prices are now almost on par with chicken and meat prices. In Khammam, even Rytu Bazaars are selling vegetables at exorbitant prices, with open market prices being even higher.
High temperatures in Khammam have reduced vegetable yield significantly. The wholesale market, which usually imports 800-900 quintals of vegetables daily, is currently importing only 400-500 quintals. To meet demand, wholesale traders are importing vegetables from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
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