Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Sep 17: Recent rains have devastated the vegetable crop across the state as a result of which the prices of vegetables and fruits have sky rocketed.

The price of tomato has jumped to Rs 45 from Rs 15. Drumstick price has seen phenomenal increase to Rs 150 per kilo from Rs 50.

The rate of coriander leaves has reached unbelievable price of Rs 200 per kilo. It was just Rs 50 per kilo a week ago. Carrot and beans that were being sold at Rs 60 per kilo have crossed Rs 100.

Onion has maintained the same price at Rs 30, while okra jumped up from Rs 40 to Rs 60, aubergine from Rs 40 to Rs 60, green chilly from Rs 20 to Rs 40, potato from Rs 30 to Rs 35, lemon from Rs 6 to Rs 10 per piece, garlic from Rs 80 to Rs 120 and raddish from Rs 40 to Rs 60.

Generally when the Dasara festival is two weeks away the price of vegetables and fruits is on the lower side. As the festival approaches, the rates sky rocket. However, this year the prices have already reached the highest mark 15 days ahead of the festival.

A consumer says that he used to spend Rs 500 to Rs 600 for three to four types of vegetables and fruits. Now he has to shell out Rs 1000.

The rates of leafy vegetables like palak, fenugreek have also shot up. A week ago these were sold for Rs six to Rs 8 per bunch. Now their price is hovering around Rs 12 to Rs 15.

The price of cardamom variety of banana has not gone down. It is still sold at Rs 80 to Rs 90. Apple is slightly cheaper at Rs 100 per kilo.