Prices of vegetables triple in Hyderabad since lockdown

Hyderabad: Prices of the vegetables have skyrocketed on the second day of the lockdown at several markets across the twin cities.

Raghuram who came to pick up vegetables at Nallakunta pointed out that the cost of per kg of tomatoes touched Rs 50 , which was Rs 30 before the lockdown.

Similarly, green mirchi has gone up to Rs 100 per kg, followed by the oval type and long purple brinjal per gram costing at Rs 80 per kilogram.

The situation in Kothapet, Dilsukhnagar is the same and citizens had a tough time as all varieties like Dosakaya (cucumber), tomato, ladies finger, ridge gourd have risen up three to four times more than the usual rates which prevailed before lockdown.

Srimathi, a resident of Kothapet pointed out, "I buy vegetables for the whole week. Last week my purchases of different vegetables of around five kgs cost me Rs 360. For the same, today, I have to spend Rs 820," she added.

Srikanth, a resident of AS Rao Nagar pointed out, "the cost of carrot today is Rs 80 per kg as against Rs 45 two days ago. Also, the prices of flowers, mango leaves, neem flowers are priced high.

A single mango's of small size is Rs 40," he added.

Expressing that he can understand the difficulties in controlling prices due to lockdown K Rameswara Rao from Musarambagh pointed out.

"People can bear the burden to some extent for some time or for some days purchasing the vegetables at these prices. But, if the rates go up further then it will be a cause of concerns for every household. The government should do something before the prices go out of hand," he said.

Meanwhile, the State Agriculture and Marketing authorities say that they are taking steps to streamline the inflow of the vegetables based on the demand coming from the city as well as different districts.

As per the government orders, a senior official from the State Horticulture Department said, "the rates for vegetables are taken into account based on their rates prevailing on March 21-22.

Also, the district collectors are empowered to decide the rates of vegetables. Whatever the rates they decide are final and the same has to be implemented," he said.