Flower, veggie prices soar ahead of Ugadi

VISAKHAPATNAM: The prices of some vegetables and flowers have increased by over 20 per cent in Vizag in view of the demand for Ugadi. Traders say that prices of vegetables will shoot up further as the recent rains have damaged the crops in parts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
As per the local calendar, Ugadi marks the New Year for Hindus of Andhra Pradesh and a few other states in the country.Ugadi is scheduled to be observed on Wednesday.
On the occasion, people wish each other and share Ugadi pachadi (chutney) and adorn their houses with mango, neem leaves and flowers on doors.
Due to unseasonal rains and Ugadi festival, prices of some varieties of flowers have gone up by 20 to 30 per cent. The prices of crossandra which usually costs Rs 200 per kg, has gone up to Rs350 per kg, said K Naidu, a trader in Vizag city.
The Jasmine buds cost Rs400 per kg while roses are sold at Rs250 per kg. The prices of some vegetables were also sold at Rs80 per kg. “We may cough up more money for the vegetables and flowers in the coming days as the high temperature in the morning hours and the downpour in the evening hours has caused damage to the crops in the region,” said M Sangeeta, a housewife.
The traders also increased the prices of neem flower and raw mangoes citing low availability. “The skyrocketing prices are drilling more holes in our wallets. The neem flower provides the bitter taste to the Ugadi chutney, signifying the bitterness of life. But, ironically, the non-availability of the neem flower in the market has led to skyrocketing prices,” said K Siva Kumar.