Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi/Kundapur

Udupi/Kundapur, Dec 3: Even after the monsoon, untimely rains and back-to-back cyclones affecting crop yields in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have pushed vegetable prices sharply upward across the coastal region. Drumstick has shot up to over Rs 700 per kg, while several other vegetables have touched the Rs 100 mark.

With the wedding season, Sabarimala pilgrimage period and winter coinciding, the demand for vegetables has surged. Whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian cuisine, vegetables remain unavoidable, especially tomato, which has seen a steep rise. Drumstick prices have climbed even higher. Dishes prepared with drumstick have a special place in vegetarian meals, but customers are now avoiding it at vegetable stalls due to its soaring price. Traders say that despite high demand, supply remains inadequate. On days with a large number of weddings, specific vegetables see sudden price spikes.

Representational image

Tomato prices

Tomato rates have already crossed the half-century mark. In Kolar—known for tomato production—a 15-kg box is priced between Rs 600 and Rs 850. The wholesale price stands at Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg, while consumers pay Rs 70 to Rs 80. Demand from outside the state has also increased, but supply to the market has not matched the demand, leading to the price rise.

Other vegetables too are slowly touching Rs 100. Drumstick costs Rs 750 per kg in Udupi and Kundapur—up from Rs 500 just a few days ago—while in Mangaluru it ranges from Rs 700 to Rs 720. Tamil Nadu is a major producer of drumstick, and traders say the current prices may continue until fresh stock arrives. Farmers there have increased cultivation, so a slight price reduction is expected by January–February. Earlier, traders would bring in large quantities when prices were low, but now, despite the price surge, drumstick supply has thinned, said a vegetable trader.

Peas cost Rs 220 per kg as it is not the current season; during peak season, they are available at Rs 120. Ladyfinger is priced at Rs 60–80, carrot at Rs 80–90, sambar cucumber at Rs 30–40, cauliflower at Rs 60, capsicum at Rs 80, alasande beans at Rs 70–80, local ladyfinger at Rs 100–120, and ridge gourd at Rs 100–120. In the Mangaluru market, tomato sells for Rs 45–55 per kg, carrot for Rs 70–80, and brinjal for Rs 60–70.

Fruit prices also high

Fruit prices too have climbed. Pomegranate costs Rs 180–200, apple Rs 150–180, banana Rs 60–80, pineapple Rs 80, watermelon Rs 50, and sweet lime Rs 60.

Vegetable rates continue to rise depending on seasonal demand from functions and festivals. Traders say it is hard to determine who is influencing the prices. Local production is insufficient, and vegetables arriving from other regions show price variations based on crop yield, said another vegetable trader.