Khammam: A steep rise in vegetable prices has put a heavy burden on the pockets of poor and middle class families in erstwhile Khammam district. Tomatoes, ladyfinger, green chillies, potatoes and other vegetables which were selling at Rs 20 to Rs 30 per kg till 10 days ago are now selling at Rs 70 to Rs 80 per kg, making it difficult for common people to afford them. Tomatoes are selling at Rs 80 per kg, ladyfinger and green chillies at Rs 70, while leafy vegetables like spinach and coriander have also become costlier. A bunch of coriander leaves which used to sell at Rs 10 to Rs 20 is now selling at Rs 60 per bunch. Onions are selling at Rs 60 per kg.
Muslims celebrating Eid-ul-Azha on Monday had to bear the brunt of the increased vegetable prices. Speaking to Telangana Today, Syed Ahmed, a private worker from Kothagudem, lamented that he had to spend around Rs 600 to buy tomatoes, green chillies and leafy vegetables like coriander and mint leaves to prepare lunch. According to traders, lack of rain and rising temperatures have made it difficult for farmers to grow vegetables as the weather conditions are leading to a drop in yield. A drop in vegetable imports from Andhra Pradesh and other states is being cited as one of the reasons for the rise in prices. Traders also cited low imports of vegetables and said that the weather conditions also cause vegetables to perish quickly. Bhukya Upendra, a farmer from Venkatayapalem in Khammam, said that the situation was slightly better in terms of vegetable cultivation, supply and prices even during summers, but the weak monsoon has worsened the situation. He warned that the situation may improve only if the monsoon gains momentum, otherwise vegetable prices may go even higher and consumers should be prepared to face this situation.
