Consumption of vegetables hit as prices show no sign of dipping

BHUBANESWAR: Not just onion, the soaring prices of potato, tomato and other vegetables and fruits across the state have left consumers reeling.

Potato prices have increased by around Rs 8 to Rs 10 in the last one week while most vegetables have been selling above Rs 50 per kg. Similarly, prices of fruit have soared in the past few days.
“Onion is selling at Rs 65-70 per kg while potato is selling at Rs 40-42 per kg in the retail market. Tomato is selling at Rs 60 per kg. The family income has gone down due to the pandemic and the lockdowns. On the other hand, prices of kitchen essentials have gone up. How do we manage?” said Harapriya Prusty, a homemaker.
The recent rain damaged potato and other vegetable crops and supply has been badly affected, leading to a rise in the prices. In the holy month of Kartika, most families in the state shun non-vegetarian food and the high prices have hurt consumers.
“Onion prices have remained high for a while, but potato prices increased due to short supply from West Bengal. Like Odisha, several states depend on Bengal for potatoes. Last year, the production was not very good. This year, too, bad weather damaged the crops. The short supply will continue till the new harvest hits the markets in mid or end-December,” said Debendra Sahu, secretary of Chhtra Bazar Traders Association.
“Rising prices of onion is a national phenomenon and the state has little control over it. The amendment to the essential commodities act is one of the reasons for the price rise. Still, we are keeping a close watch on the market and are hopeful that prices may fall after the festive season is over,” food supplies and consumer welfare minister Ranedra Pratap Swain had said.
In winter, prices of vegetables drop after fresh harvest becomes available in the market. This year has been an exception. “People who used to buy vegetables in kilos are now buying them in grams,” said Susant Samantray, a vegetable vendor at Unit-1 haat. “I was shocked at the prices of fruit, as guava is selling at Rs 180 per kg while apple is selling between Rs 100 to Rs 250,” said Ranjita Mohanty, a homemaker.
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