Holi cheer: Vegetable prices crash in city market

Indore: Prices of nearly all vegetables at Choithram wholesale market fell sharply, bringing good news to customers, who had been grappling with rising cost of living for quite sometime now. The rates decreased after a surge in arrivals at the market ahead of Holi, traders said on Tuesday.Heavy supplies from Indore and nearby villages, particularly the Nimar region, which contributes over 60% of total vegetable arrivals to the city, led to a correction of Rs 10–15 per kg in most vegetables over the past few days. At the same time, demand from outstation buyers dropped due to Holi, further pressuring prices.In Choithram market, wholesale prices of sponge gourd are ruling at Rs 15 per kg, bottle gourd at Rs 10 per kg, pumpkin at Rs 8 per kg, and brinjal at Rs 12 per kg. Traders said these rates are significantly lower compared to last week. However, green chillies and new season raw mangoes remained firm, with chillies priced at Rs 60-65 per kg and raw mangoes at Rs 55-60 per kg."As arrivals increased sharply before Holi, supply exceeded demand. Outstation traders reduced lifting due to the festival, which led to a price fall," said Asif Mansori, a vegetable seller at Choithram market."Farmers from the Nimar belt are bringing large quantities daily, so rates softened across most varieties."Retailers said the fall in wholesale prices began reflecting at the consumer level, offering some relief to households."Vegetables have become much cheaper compared to last week. Lower prices are helping us manage household expenses better," said Ranjana Rai, a resident of Sudama Nagar.Another buyer, Kusum Choudhary from Pardeshipura area said, "There is no shortage and we are getting fresh vegetables at reasonable prices. During festivals, expenses increase, so this price cut is definitely helpful."Traders expect prices to remain under pressure until normal buying resumes after the festival, when demand from neighbouring districts and institutional buyers is likely to pick up.