Vegetable prices up as rain leaves farms waterlogged

Indore: Heavy rain over the weekend has disrupted supply of vegetables in the market leading to an increase in prices of most of them.
Arrival of vegetables from Nimar region that contributes more than 60 per cent in total supplies has dropped sharply after farms became waterlogged due to rain. Prices of most vegetables except tomatoes have jumped by over 30 per cent, said traders.

Sabzi Mandi Thok Vyapari Kalyan Sangh vice-president Farooque Raeen said, “Supply of vegetables has reduced after rain. Farmers are not bringing in produce due to rainwater in farms. Short supply has spiked prices of most vegetables.”
Daily arrival of vegetables in Choithram market of Indore has reduced to around 80 pick-up vehicles as against 120-150 vehicles earlier. Vegetable supplies from Gujarat and Maharashtra are aiding in meeting local demand in absence of sufficient arrivals from local farms, said traders.
In Choithram market, prices of lady’s fingers have jumped to Rs 25 per kg, capsicum to Rs 50 per kg, sponge gourd to Rs 30 per kg, said traders. Prices of these vegetables were less than Rs 15 per kg in the Choithram market a week ago.
Farmers said, harvesting of vegetables has become difficult due to rain and at least three-four sunny days are required for drying the fields and resume harvesting.
Indore gets most of its supplies from Nimar and nearby villages.
A farmer Arun Kushwah from Sanwer said, “Waterlogging in farms has damaged vegetables. There is no way to drain the water from the farm and stagnant water is harming the standing crop.”