Vegetable prices surge in Hyderabad amid heatwave, unseasonal rains

Vegetable prices in Hyderabad have surged sharply due to extreme heat and unseasonal rains affecting crop yield and supply. Tomato prices have nearly tripled, while other vegetables also witnessed hikes. Prices may remain high until the monsoon improves supply conditions.

Hyderabad: With a scorching summer and unseasonal rains, the vegetable supplies to the city have been hit, and prices are skyrocketing. In the last week, the prices of vegetables have shot up in the city markets, with rates of tomatoes almost increasing three times.

A kilogram of tomato was sold for Rs 10 in the retail market a fortnight ago, it increased to Rs 20 a week ago and suddenly it is now sold for Rs 30 or Rs 40 in the retail market.

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“The crop is badly hit due to the heat conditions and the unseasonal heavy rains that lashed last week. The tomato yield has come down, and the supply to the city is heavily affected. Hence, the price increased,” said Ramu, a farmer from Yacharam, in Ranga Reddy district.

The prices of other vegetables such as lady finger, brinjal, cauliflower, beans, cabbage and leafy vegetables have also seen a significant increase in the last week. “The supplies have come down from the villages, hence the shortage and price rise. It will continue until the monsoon sets in,” pointed out S Muthyala, a commission agent at Mandi Mir Alam.

A kilogram of lady finger is now priced at Rs 70, up from Rs 50 a fortnight ago. Cabbage is sold for Rs 40 a kilogram, brinjal – Rs 50 a kilogram, beans priced between Rs 80 and Rs 120 a kilogram, and leafy vegetables are priced at Rs 10 per medium-sized bundle.

“There is a short supply of coriander, mint herb, rosella leaves, and other leafy vegetables. Due to this, it is sold for Rs 10 each in the retail market,” said Anjamma, a vegetable vendor at Falaknuma Road.

The city gets vegetable supplies from Balapur, Ibrahimpatnam, Kandukur, Yacharam, and Amangal mandals in Ranga Reddy district and some mandals in neighbouring Vikarabad district, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri and Siddipet district.

Every morning, the farmers bring the vegetables in small transport jeeps and sell them to the local vendors at the Bowenpally, Gudimalkapur, Madannapet, and Mir Alam Mandi markets. Some farmers directly sell the produce to customers at the Rythu Bazaars in the city.