Vegetable prices roaring high in Guwahati

Guwahati: Vegetable prices in Assam have registered a steep rise over the last few days, as disruption in food supplies continues due to floods. The retail prices of vegetables like tomatoes, ridge gourd, and pointed gourd have increased significantly, with prices going above Rs 100 per kg. Prices of other vegetables like beans, shallots, and onions have also surged. The shortage of supplies in larger markets has contributed to the increase in prices, said a shopkeeper who is a regular seller in the Ganeshguri market. For instance, beans are selling at Rs 80 per kg, shallot at Rs 100 per kg, and onions at Rs 40-50 per kg.

The seller added, "market is falling short of supplies. Generally, we bring our supplies from Fancy Bazar or Saraighta- Brahmaputra side, but today we couldn't find anything there." Additionally, severe weather conditions across Assam have led to a fall in supplies, resulting in the import of vegetables like potatoes from Shillong, Bengal, and Jalandhar, and onions from Rajasthan and Nasik.

The Assam State Agricultural Marketing Board Chairman Manoj Baruah, speaking to Business-Northeast, mentioned that various factors are linked to the surge in vegetable prices. Even the wholesale market at Pamohi has been affected by the rains. However, it is expected that the situation will come under control as the condition improves. The wholesale price of a 100 quintal tomato is 4000/-, a 100 quintal of potatoes from Shillong costs 2000/-, and 200 quintals of white onions from Nasik is of 2,400/-. It is worth noting that retail inflation had declined to a 25-month low of 4.25 percent in May, primarily due to the softening prices of food and fuel items. However, the recent increase in food prices, including vegetables, may lead to a rise in inflation. Traders suggest that prices are likely to remain high unless the flood situation improves.