Vegetable prices go through the roof in Delhi

Prices of vegetables have increased upto 20 per cent at grocery stores in Delhi in the last 10 days, much to the discomfort of citizens.

Though retailers attribute the price rise to traffic restrictions imposed within the city in view of the Commonwealth Games, officials and wholesale traders disagree.

A glance at rates provided by Azadpur based Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee suggests that there has been not much hike in the wholesale prices of the vegetables, as inter-state movement of trucks are not affected.

But local vendors say traffic restrictions within the city due to the games have pushed the prices upward.

While there is 20 per cent increase in prices of peas and capsicum, cauliflower is more expensive by 13.6 per cent, tomato by 12.33 per cent and potato by 8 per cent since September 19.

While potato is sold at Rs 25 a kg in the retail, onion is available at Rs 30 a kg and tomato Rs 40 a kg.

Green vegetables like Cauliflower are available at Rs 80 a kg while Peas and Capsicum cost Rs 120 each.

"Because of traffic regulations it is very difficult to transport the vegetables within the city," says Ghanshyam, a vendor in Janakpuri.

But, Brahm Yadav, chairman of Delhi Agriculture Marketing Board, which regulates Azadpur market (biggest fruit & vegetables market in Asia) and other big markets, disputed any linkage between soaring vegetable prices and the games.

"There is no restriction on arrivals of trucks in the Azadpur market in the night time as has been the case from the beginning," he told PTI.

However, Metharam Kriplani, President of Chamber of Azadpur Fruit & Vegetable Traders, said the supply is affected due to rains and floods in the producer states.

"There has been almost 50 per cent short supply of green vegetables and tomatoes due to rains and flood in producing states," Kriplani added.

Surendra Kohli, President of Vegetables Traders Association, blamed retailers for 'fleecing' customers in the name of games, which has no bearing on produce arrivals in the wholesale markets like Azadpur and Okhla Subzi Mandi.

Rates of vegetables in the retail and wholesale market buttress Kohli's viewpoint. Wholesale price of potato at Azadpur market yesterday was Rs 13.75 a kg while onion sold at Rs 18.75 a kg, Peas at Rs 85 a kg, Tomato at Rs 27.25 a kg and Cauliflower (Rs 25 a kg).