BERHAMPUR: The rising prices of vegetables, including onion, continues to burn a hole in the pocket of the common man. Price of all vegetables has increased by `7 to `9 per kg from last month. This is unusual for the city markets which used to be flooded with a variety of vegetables during winter and prices usually plummet compared to the other times of the year. But, that has not been the case this year so far due to unseasonal rain. Almost all vegetables are priced `30 or above as most of the produce is procured from other States, mostly Andhra Pradesh. Onion was selling at `50 per kg on Friday.
Meanwhile, hopes of consumers for some relief from the local produce too failed as last week’s unseasonal rain not only damaged paddy crop but also destroyed the vegetable crops. The growers in Ganjam, Purusottampur, Hinjili, Digapahandi, Chikiti and Khalikote blocks besides several others have faced the nature’s wrath.
Gopal Panda of Hinjili, who raised brinjal in two acres, said after pest menace, “rains poured cold water on our hopes.” Gopal Malick of Digapahandi said his ladies finger crop raised in half an acre got destroyed in pest attack while spinach crop cultivated in over two acres by Sadasiv Panda of Purusottampur got destroyed in rain. Surendra Sahu, a wholesaler of Bada Bazar, said the prices are likely to go up further as crops in several areas got damaged in the rain. Most of the vegetables imported from Andhra Pradesh are being sold to retailers with a minimum profit margin.Besides vegetables, prices of edible oil also increased adding to the woes of the consumers.