Vegetable prices soar in the state

HYDERABAD: It is bad news for Hyderabadis as there has been a significant rise in the prices of vegetables in the government-run markets in the last one month due to low productivity and prolonged unseasonal rains this year in various parts of Andhra Pradesh.
While prices of beans have increased by 50% in the past one month, carrot by 40% and prices of ladies finger has gone up by more than 100%, officials said.The prices may further escalate, said an official of the Erragadda rythu bazaar. "Going by the present situation the prices of some of the vegetables will further increase by January. We will be having further shortage of some of the vegetables in the coming few days, since we have to import them, the prices may go up further," V Alexander, the official said.
Though the inflation has declined to 7.45% in October, the prices of essential commodities were increasing steadily. Ivy gourd and bitter gourd has also increased by 100% and onions have increased by 30%, while potatoes showed an increase by up to 20%, officials said.
"Till 2010, the prices were quite low during this time. However, the change in season cycle is affecting the productivity and yield of crops," K R Vijaya Kumar, estate officer, Rythu Bazaar, Mehdipatnam said. "This season there were unseasonal rains which led to this situation."
A similar situation is prevailing in retail outlets and exclusive vegetables stores as well. "The prices of the vegetables have shown a sharp rise since the last two weeks. The average price increase is about 40-60% in our store and also there is a shortage. Though the customers do not seem happy, we cannot help it," said a manager of a retail vegetable store in Begumpet.
The citizens on their part rue this sudden development. "Previously I used to buy vegetables in significant quantities but since the price rise, I have reduced the quantity. Also I am staying away from those vegetables whose prices have soared." said T Ragini, a housewife.