Farmers Movement Archive

Pune: High demand, low supply spur rise in veggie prices

PUNE: Prices of vegetables have gone up noticeably amid a shortage of supply of agricultural produce to the main markets in the district. On Monday, the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), the wholesale facility at Gultekdi, remained closed on account of a nationwide bandh call given by farmers agitating for withdrawal of farm bills and other issues. Madhukant Garad, chief administrator, APMC, said that the bandh/ strike had no impact on the vegetable supply in the city as traders and vendors had purchased adequate stock in the last two days. Meanwhile, the prices of almost all vegetables shot up by 30 - 40% as compared to the past three weeks, said the APMC officials. The rates of leafy vegetables have skyrocketed, said officials. A bunch of coriander is being sold in the range of Rs 10 to Rs16. Similarly, a bunch of fenugreek (Methi), dill (Shepu) and spinach (palak) is being sold at Rs 15, Rs 12 and Rs 14, respectively in the market. “This was not the case last week. Many farmers had to dump their produce due to low rates. As a result, overall arrival in the market is less. Hence, the prices have gone up now,” said Datta Kalamkar, head of the vegetable section of the market yard. The rates of other vegetables like onion, tomato, potato, cauliflower, cabbage, too, have increased, said the officials. “Many restaurants, eateries, and food giants are now operating at full capacity. There is a good demand for all vegetables. However, the supply has been hampered as many farmers had abandoned their plantations due to low prices. The price of tomato will remain high for the next few weeks as maximum plantations of the vegetable have got over,” said the official. Vilas Bhujbal, president, the commission agents’ association, said, “The rates are going to remain high due to upcoming ‘Navratri’ season. People will have to pay more for fruits also as demand for them would be high during the festival time.” On Monday, the farmers’ strike did not have an impact on commercial establishments in the city. Local transport operated normally. A protest meeting was held in Mandai area. The meeting was attended by workers of various parties.

The Times of India

2021-09-28

Pune