Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Sep 4: The demand for vegetables and fruits has increased due to the number of festivals this season. In addition, destruction of crops due to the incessant rains also contributed to the hike in prices.

The rate of tomato which was at Rs 15 per kilo two weeks ago has shot upto Rs 30. Beans price has shot up to at Rs 65 from Rs 50 while carrot is being sold at Rs 80 per kilo. Though the rate of onion is bit steady at Rs 30, there are indications that it might also increase. The beetroot rate per kg has jumped to Rs 55 from 45 and ridgegourd from Rs 55 to Rs 70.

Buyers are complaining that they have to buy vegetables as it is festival time. However, the vegetables available in the market are not fresh according to many customers.

In the retail market, the price of cabbage is sold at Rs 20 to 25 per kg, capsicum Rs 60, potato Rs 35 to 40, garlic Rs 80 to 100, green chilli Rs 75 to 85, drumsticks Rs 60 to 70, bittergourd Rs 50 to 55, okra at Rs 40, gherkins at Rs 40, cauliflower Rs 35, yam at Rs 50 and pumpkin Rs 50.

The rates of fruits is also on the rise due to festivals. Excepting apples, the rates of other fruits have gone up. Apple is sold at Rs 100 to Rs 130, Seethaphal at Rs 120, Chikku at Rs 120, pomegranate at Rs 220, Moosambi at Rs 70 and Papaya at Rs 40.

The rate of Elakki banana that is used for pooja daily has gone upto Rs 90 per kilo in retail market. In wholesale, it is sold at Rs 70. The cavandice is being sold at Rs 40 per kilo.