PANAJI
Prices of vegetables in Panaji markets which had been climbing sharply over the last few days are showing no signs of easing adding to the strain on household budgets already hit by rising fuel and essential commodity costs.
Traders and wholesalers are blaming the sudden spike to reduced supply, possibly due to transportation linked issues as Goa is dependent on imports from neigbouring States.
French beans which had more than doubled to Rs 250 a kilo at the start of the week eased a bit to Rs 200 but ginger has stayed at a whopping Rs 300 a kilo. Garlic too has shot up and has remained in the Rs 200-400 a kilo depending on quality.
Lemons, which are often used in peak summer heat to make soothing drinks like limboo-paani and limboo-soda, are at Rs 10 apiece.
Tomatoes have also risen and are being quoted at Rs 60 a kilo easing from the Rs 65 at the start of the week. Potatoes increased by Rs 10 to Rs 50 a kilo and a bunch of coriander earlier sold for Rs 25 is now being quoted for Rs 40.
Onions are quoted at Rs 45 per kilo and other vegetables like lady finger (okra), ridge gourd, carrots, bitter gourd and cluster beans are stable at Rs 80 a kilo.
Brinjal (eggplant) and cucumber were Rs 50, but larger brinjals were priced higher at Rs 70.
Green chillies were at Rs 80 a kilo, capsicum touched Rs 130 a kilo.
Traders and wholesalers in the Panaji market said the prices are likely to remain on the higher side for some days.
Seasonal fruits too are being quoted at higher levels. The Malcorado mango season is waning and are priced at Rs 200-800 a dozen according to quality and size.
The Alphonso mango, which mostly comes from the neighbouring Vengurla, Sindhudurgh and Ratnagiri areas is in short supply, traders said. They are available for between Rs 500–800 a dozen.
Meanwhile, the Goa State Horticulture Corporation outlets offered lower rates: onions at Rs 24 a kilo, tomatoes at Rs 45, potatoes at Rs 25, okra at Rs 20, cabbage at Rs 26, carrots at Rs 45, french beans at Rs 200, chillies at Rs 45, and cauliflower at Rs 28 apiece.
