Veggie prices triple in just four days

Hyderabad: Thanks to incessant rains and bus strike, the vegetable prices have hit the roof. Officials at Rythu Bazaars in the city say that the prices have tripled in four days. Though the prices have been fluctuating due to bus strike, farmers who sell vegetables in small quantity are unable to travel and reach the market from far away villages.

1. Small-time farmers unable to bring produce to the city due to RTC strike
2. Particularly tomatoes and onions are witnessing steep hike in their prices
3. Both selling up to Rs 60 a kg, and are likely to climb further

Praveen, chairman of Gudimalkapur Rythu Bazar, says, "There are several small-time farmers who are badly hit due to the bus strike. They sell in small quantities and use public transport. Now they are bleeding. Unable to bring their produce in private vehicles, they are suffering huge losses as vegetables are perishable."

"Twenty days ago, I sold tomatoes for Rs 10, today I am selling the for Rs 45-Rs 60. Heavy rains have damaged the crop. Instead of 5 lorries, only one lorry is coming to the market this season," said Arunanda, a local vegetable vendor.

He says that, he is forced to sell vegetables at almost triple the original price due to short supply. "We are purchasing produce from the wholesalers for Rs 50 and selling them for Rs 60 to the retailers. Whereas, retailers with the old stock are making huge money in the poor supply season," said a retail shop owner Shobarani.

"Today the tomato price is Rs 45 to Rs 60 depending upon the quality and soon the prices may touch Rs 100 if this situation continues. Same goes with the prices of onions. We sold it for Rs 15 a few days ago and now we are selling it for Rs 60," said another vendor Ahmed at Yousufguda Checkpost.