BENGALURU, 19 MARCH

Bengalureans who are struggling due to the water crisis have to now battle the rise in vegetable prices as well.

“There is a substantial decline in the arrival of fresh vegetables due to water scarcity across the State,” Prakash Mirji, the managing director of HOPCOMS (Horticultural Producers' Co-operative Marketing Society) told Salar News. “This limited supply, coupled with an unwavering demand, has inevitably pushed prices upwards.”

Farmers are finding it tough to cultivate in this climate. “Cultivating water-intensive vegetables like tomatoes and leafy greens has become increasingly difficult. Many farmers are forced to resort to expensive alternatives like borewell water, inflating their production costs."

The price hike affects the consumers as well. Anupama K, a resident of Jayanagar told Salar News “It's impacting our grocery budget. We are having to cut back on certain vegetables or find cheaper alternatives.”

Shweta S, another customer from Banashankari, said: “We're buying smaller quantities and focusing on seasonal vegetables that might be slightly cheaper. The prices have increased so much that I cannot buy everything at once when I visit the market.”

This hike in price has not only affected the household but also the hoteliers. PC Rao, President of the Hotels Association of Bengaluru, told Salar News “Right now, we have not changed the price of any of the food in restaurants. But if vegetable prices continue to rise, we might have to consider raising food prices as well.” -Salar News