Bhubaneswar, July 26: Odisha is yet to be self-sufficient in vegetable production despite tall claims by the state government.
According to unofficial sources, the state produces vegetables to meet the demand for four months, and that too only during Rabi season.
The farmers face distressed sales due to high production during the Rabi season and lack of cold storage facilities during this season.
However, Odisha depends on other states for vegetables from April to December.
The Odisha government had formed a high-level committee in 2019 to boost vegetable production in the state but in vain.
According to the Agriculture Department, a total of 9830 metric tonnes of vegetables were produced in the state this year, which is in no way sufficient enough to meet the market demand.
The prices of tomatoes and other vegetables have hit a new high in Odisha. While the retail price of tomato has crossed Rs 160 per kg, green chili is being sold at Rs 350 per kg and beans at Rs 250.
Similarly, almost all vegetables are being sold for over Rs 80 per kg in retail markets. Despite being available in abundance, pointed gourd, commonly known as ‘potala’ is being sold at Rs 60 per kg. Last month, it was priced at Rs 30-Rs 40 a kg.
Similarly, there has been a significant rise in the price of drumsticks and brinjal. Drumstick was available at Rs 50- Rs 60 per kg in April, but now costs Rs 100-Rs 120 per kg and the cost of brinjal has doubled.
The prices of cabbage, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, and pumpkin have also increased. Ginger and garlic have become the costliest items in the market. Ginger is being sold at Rs 250-Rs 280 per kg while garlic is priced at Rs 200 per kg.
