MONSOON WOES: Prices of popular vegetables such as potato and onion have increased due to rain and lack of transport facilities to the Koyambedu market, traders say. — PHOTO: K. PICHUMANI

CHENNAI : Prices of staple vegetables in the city have gone up because of the rains and inadequate arrivals.

However, the situation appears better compared to last year when vegetable costs spiralled due to torrential rains.

Vendors at the Koyambedu wholesale market said the cost of staple vegetables such as potato, onion and tomato have spurted because of less yields and showers in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Potatoes, which were sold at Rs. 8 per kg three weeks ago, are now selling at Rs. 12. There has been Rs.2 hike in tomatoes, which are sold at Rs.7 per kg.

Similarly, onion prices have also seen a hike of Rs.2 and they are sold at Rs.6 to Rs.7 per kg.

The Koyambedu market receives its loads of onions mainly from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Lady's finger and drumstick were the other vegetables in demand at the market. While drumsticks cost between Rs.16 and Rs.20, lady's finger costs Rs. 7.

Warm climate

Vendors said that it would take two more months for the price of drumsticks to come down as warm climate is needed for better yields.

Carrots and beans were selling higher at Rs.10 to Rs.12 a kg respectively. The cost of `avaraikai' or broad beans has risen to between Rs.15 and Rs.18 due to fewer arrivals. Earlier, it was sold at Rs.12.

V.R. Soundararajan, secretary of Koyambedu MMC License Holders Merchants Association, said that the cost of vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, peas, beetroot and snakegourd was stable. Some of the vegetables, including brinjal and bittergourd were sold cheap due to good yields. Some consolation for buyers: Ginger price has come down from Rs.18 to Rs.13 due to arrivals from Ooty and Gudalur. It was sold for Rs.25 two months ago. Green chillies and lime also cost less now.

Customers decline

He said that there has been a drastic decline in the number customers visiting the market from 10,000 to 3,000 due to lack of public transport. Several buses have been diverted to Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus.

S. Srinivasan, president of Chennai Fruits Commission Agent Association said that fruits cost more even though the festival season was over. Pineapple was virtually not available due to a lorry strike in Kerala. However, grapes were selling at a low price.

Vendors complained that several shops leaked because of the rains and they were not permitted to repair them. Garbage clearance was another problem.

Mr. Soundararajan said that about 30 shops faced the problem and alleged that the sale deed was not given when the traders repaired the shops.

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