Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Sep 23: The prices of vegetables have shot up well before the Navaratri festival. In fact, fish is much cheaper than vegetables at present. According to vegetable merchants the prices are going to rise further as the festival approaches.

The price of Coriander green leaf has touched a record high of Rs 200 a kilo. It was just Rs 50 a kilo a month ago. A merchant says that the destruction of coriander crop due to the recent rains in Bengaluru is the reason for the sudden spurt in prices.

Coriander green is in high demand during Navaratri festival as it is the main ingradient in dry vegetable dishes, Sambar, Kosambari and Vada preparations.

The prices of fenugreek leaves, spinach and other leafy vegetables have also doubled. The price was hovering around Rs 5 to 8 per bunch. Now it is available at Rs 15.

Compared to last week the price of tomato is stable at Rs 40 to 45 per kilo. The price of drumstick which also was higher last week has slumped slightly. Now it is sold at Rs 100 per kg against last week’s Rs 150 per kilo.

Carrot which had crossed Rs 100 per kg has come down to Rs 80 a kilo. Beans is still being sold at Rs 100 to 120 per kg. Cauliflower price jumped from Rs 60 to 80, cabbage from Rs 30 to 40, cucumber from Rs 40 to Rs 55, aubegine from Rs 60 to 70, Okra from Rs 40 to 60, Raddish from Rs 50 to 70 and Yam from Rs 45 to Rs 70.

Prices of fruits have also increased. Chikku is sold at Rs 120 per kg, while apple costs anywhere from Rs 120 to Rs 250 based on the quality. Banana is sold at Rs 100 per kg while pomegranate is Rs 200 per kg. Musambi and Orange are sold at Rs 70 and 80 per kg respectively.