Bhubaneswar, Oct 13: As the holy month of Kartika begins, residents in Bhubaneswar are grappling with a significant rise in vegetable prices. With many households refraining from consuming non-vegetarian food during this period, the daily hikes in vegetable prices have become a major concern, particularly for middle-class and lower-income families.
Traders report that the prices of most vegetables have increased by ₹5 to ₹7 per kilogram within the past week. At Unit-I Market on Sunday, prices were as follows: tomatoes at ₹40 per kg, okra at ₹80, cauliflower (two pieces) at ₹80, cabbage at ₹40 per kg, potatoes and onions at ₹25 each, yam at ₹80, cucumber at ₹60, ridge gourd at ₹50, and beans between ₹100 and ₹120 per kg.
The price hike has been attributed to poor vegetable cultivation in Odisha this season, due to unseasonal rains, especially in coastal districts. As a result, the state is relying heavily on vegetables imported from neighboring states such as West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. However, when rainfall disrupts supplies in those regions, it leads to immediate shortages in Odisha's markets.
Wholesale traders have also confirmed that prices remain high even at the source. Many consumers feel that some traders are taking advantage of the situation by creating an artificial shortage and inflating prices. Retail markets across the city, including Unit-I and local neighborhood markets, are witnessing unusually high prices.
As the festival continues, residents hope for a solution to stabilize prices and ease the burden on families during this sacred time.
Tags: prameyanews
