BELAGAVI
Heavy rains in November this year have not only caused huge losses to crops but have also destroyed vegetables on a large scale, severely affecting supplies and vegetable rates in Goa.
According to traders, the rains have adversely affected the supply of vegetables to the wholesale vegetable market in the Belagavi region, which has resulted in a huge hike in vegetable prices.
They claimed that rates of vegetables have increased sharply as supplies have dwindled since last month. Moreover, as the harvest of paddy has been delayed due to continuous rains, farmers are yet to sow vegetables.
Wholesale traders said prices of vegetables are likely to be steady only after a month or so as the fresh crop is likely to take more time.
“Actually, this time of the year, vegetable prices drop as the new yield arrives in the market. Normally, the harvest season ends in October and farmers cultivate vegetables in November due to which supplies rise bringing stability to prices. However, as the harvest has been delayed due to prolonged monsoons, farmers are yet to sow vegetables. Thus, the fresh crop will arrive only after a month or so,” Aditya Patil, a wholesale vegetable trader said.
The wholesale rates per kg at the Belagavi wholesale vegetable market on Saturday were Tomato (Rs 50-60), Potatoes (Rs 10-20), Onion (Rs 25-40), Cabbage (Rs 30-35), Ladyfinger (Rs 60-70), Gavar (Rs 60-70), Capsicum (Rs 50-60), Capsicum medium (Rs 60-70), Bitter Gourd (Rs 40-50), Beans (Rs 70-80), Rib gourd (Rs 60-70), Green chilli (Rs 40-50), Batka - fat chilli (Rs 40-50), Brinjal (Rs 80-90), Cucumber (Rs 25-30), Ghevada (Rs 70-80), Carrot (Rs 40-50), Val (Rs 60-70), Ginger (Rs 40-50) and Beet Root (Rs 35-40).
While Cauliflowers were priced at Rs 25-30 per piece, Lauki was Rs 500-600 per dozen.
Per bundle rates of vegetables were Spring Onion (Rs 6-7), Fenugreek - Methi (Rs 8-10), Coriander (Rs 10-12), Tambdi bhaji (Rs 8-10) and Shepu (Rs 8-9).
