Vegetable prices in the district have sky-rocketed during the last three weeks following erratic arrivals from Tamil Nadu, say tra-ders in the Ernakulam vegetable market.
“In key vegetable markets in Coimbatore, agents from other states are quoting high rates during auctions. Traders from Kerala are reluctant to buy vegetables for such high rates,” said Saji C.D, a wholesale dealer in the Ernakulam market.
Prices of daily necessities like okra (ladies fingers), beans and tomatoes have increased several times during the last three weeks. Okra priced at Rs 10, a month ago is now selling for Rs 34 a kg.
The wholesale price of tomatoes is Rs 26, a sharp increase from Rs 12, last month. Meanwhile, prices of other essential items like small onions, potatoes and large onions have not increased much.
“Prices are bound to soar for the next two weeks at least. Once the harvesting season starts in other states, Kerala can have more truckloads of vegetables.
It will bring down prices,” added the dealser.
The increase in vegetable prices has badly affected most household budgets.