BENGALURU, 24 MAY

The prices of essential vegetables in Bengaluru have surged due to heavy rainfall impacting yields and supply chains.

Beans, a staple in many households, have seen a significant price increase from Rs 177 per kilogram a week ago to Rs 227. Tomatoes and cabbage have also experienced sharp price hikes.

Around 75 residents of Bharati Nagar, led by Bharati Nagar Residents Forum President NS Ravi, protested at Doddigunta, Cox Town, on Monday against the soaring vegetable prices. The protesters demanded government intervention to stabilise the prices. The peaceful protest concluded with a memorandum being submitted to Agriculture Department officials.

The skyrocketing prices have disrupted household budgets across the City. “I'm tired of adjusting my household budget to accommodate these exorbitant prices. How can a middle-class family like mine afford this?" said Smita Rao, a home cook from Jayanagar 4th Block.

"I have never seen such a drastic increase in vegetable prices in my life. The cost of basic necessities like onions and potatoes has doubled in just a few months. It's becoming difficult to provide healthy meals for my family without breaking the bank," said Kavitha Kumar, a homemaker from Vajarahalli.

Consumers are forced to limit their vegetable purchases or switch to lower-quality options. "We have to limit our choices and quantity, even for basics like tomatoes and cabbage," said Shalini Sebastian, a homemaker from Maruthi Sevanagar..

Umesh Mirji, the Managing Director of HOPCOMS (Horticultural Producers' Cooperative Marketing Society) and the Horticulture Department of Bengaluru, said the quantity of vegetables arriving in the City has reduced. "The heavy rain has damaged crops, leading to a shortage of vegetables."  

The situation is worsened by the difficulty in storing vegetables during the damp weather. While rain is crucial for crop growth, excessive rainfall can cause waterlogging and soil erosion, reducing crop yields. “Even the persistent dry spell in our State played an important role in damaging the crops,” Mirji added. -Salar News