Vegetable prices fall as sales drop at Trichy market

Trichy: Vegetable sales in Trichy's Gandhi Market have dropped significantly due to reduced demand from commercial operators such as restaurants, eateries, and event organizers. The fall in demand stems from the disruption in the supply of commercial LPG cylinders triggered by the US-Israel-Iran War.Commercial operators including hotels, restaurants, roadside eateries, bakeries, sweet shops, and event organizers, have drastically reduced or halted operations. This has cut demand for large quantities of perishables needed for daily cooking, snack preparation, weddings, family functions, banquets, corporate events, and mass meals.At Gandhi Market, substantial quantities of vegetables remain unsold and unmoved. Ve Govindarajalu, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Federation of Traders' Association, said, "Vegetable sales in Trichy markets have fallen by 40% because commercial operators have drastically reduced their purchases. If the crisis continues, the decline could worsen further."Gandhi Market is one of largest wholesale and retail hubs in the state, serving several central districts as well. The current sales slump has led to accumulation of perishable commodities.Commercial operators typically buy more from retailers than wholesalers. K Jaisankar, president of the Gandhi Market Retail Sellers Association, said, "Vegetable prices have dropped by 30 to 60% compared last week. Tomatoes are now being sold as low as Rs 10 per kg."Unsold vegetables are facing the risk of spoilage in the rising temperature. Traders are making urgent efforts to sell off stock at heavily discounted rates to limit losses, which has further intensified downward pressure on prices.Meanwhile, household shoppers have become the main support for vendors. Families continue making regular small-quantity purchases, aided by prioritized supplies of domestic LPG cylinders and govt assurances that household shortages will be avoided.