PANAJI
Vegetable prices have hit a new high coming at it does in the sacred month of Shravan when Hindus traditionally embrace a vegetarian diet.
This has not only impacted shopping lists but has also sparked a wave of concern and curiosity among locals about the factors driving these escalating costs.
The Goan spoke to a number of vegetable vendors who blamed the inclement weather.
Afzal Shaikh, a vegetable vendor in Mapusa says that vegetable prices have been increasing steadily over the past week. He attributed this to several factors. "Two weeks ago, there was heavy rainfall in Goa and the neighboring States where most of the vegetables come from," he explained. "Now, there's a sudden decline in rainfall, along with high humidity and heat, which have again affected crop yields. This has also contributed to the price hike."
When asked if the price increase was related to Shravan, Afzal acknowledged that it could be a factor. "Every year, we see a rise in vegetable prices before Ganesh Chaturthi. But this year, the weather has also played a significant role in driving up costs."
Another local vendor, Suchna Palyekar, agreed that the annual price increase during Shravan is not unusual. "The demand for vegetables always goes up during this month, especially in the last week of Shravan," she noted. "As demand rises, so do the prices. But I've also noticed that more people are opting for organic and locally grown vegetables, which might be influencing prices as well."
Suchna added that the weather has indeed played a part in the price hike. "The climate changes we've seen recently, with inconsistent rainfall and heat, have made it harder to maintain steady supplies of fresh produce. This has pushed prices higher", she said.
As Shravan progresses and Ganesh Chaturthi draws near, it’s uncertain how vegetable prices will change. Currently, both vendors and consumers are feeling the impact of rising costs, influenced by religious observances, weather conditions, and shifting consumer preferences.
