Cyclonic storms and heavy rain surge vegetable prices in Kolakata
Times of India | 27 October 2024
KOLKATA: The impact of a recent cyclonic circulation, heavy rainfall, and a surge in high tides created disruptions in the vegetable supply chain, driving up prices in markets across the city.
While some areas saw a quicker recovery due to fast-draining water and sunny weather, farmers in coastal districts like South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore faced significant crop loss.
These regions, which cultivate seasonal crops taking up to 90 days to yield, were especially affected as waterlogged fields caused rotting and decay of standing plants.
Other major agricultural hubs, including Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, Nadia, and the Burdwan districts, reported milder impacts and lesser crop damage.
However, as the price of essential vegetables soared, households are feeling the strain. Gouri Dasgupta, a teacher and single mother, noted that rising prices forced her to make adjustments to family meals.
“We’ve mostly replaced vegetables with potatoes, making meals less nutritious and dull. Even then, we have to cut corners to balance our budget,” she said.
In particular, the Bhangar I and Bhangar II blocks, known for producing vegetables year-round, were hit hard. Farmers here produce a wide variety of vegetables, including off-season crops, making them a key supplier for local markets.
Unfortunately, the cyclone brought destruction to vegetable farms across Bhangar, Baruipur, Deganga, and Basirhat, creating a supply chain gap.
With many seedbeds for winter crops damaged, prices for vegetables like tomatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, brinjal, and chilies are expected to continue rising.
Ali Murtaza, a Bhangar farmer, lost a considerable portion of his crop. “About 80% of my capsicum, cabbage, cauliflower, okra, brinjal, and spinach plants rotted. The strong sunlight is also worsening the damage by rotting the base of the plants," he explained, noting that only crops planted on higher ground survived.
Safikul Hasnat, Assistant Director of Agriculture for Bhangar I, confirmed that fields where water has drained are less affected, while those that remain waterlogged face crop loss and increased disease risk.
"We are advising farmers to apply fungicide sprays once the soil has dried a bit to save whatever crops are still viable," he said.
Kamal De, President of the West Bengal Vendors’ Association, added that although the immediate impact on vegetable prices was limited, supply issues in Howrah, Hooghly, and East Midnapore could drive further price hikes if waterlogging persists.
As of October 27, wholesale prices showed a substantial rise. Key items like brinjal jumped from Rs60 to Rs120 per kg, pointed gourd from Rs50 to Rs100 per kg, and chilies from Rs120 to Rs200 per kg. Prices for capsicum, flat beans, and green peas from other states have also increased due to decreased local supply.
Gopal Sonkar, a wholesale trader at Koley Market, noted that although produce from other states is still arriving, quantities are lower.
“With local crops affected, vendors are trying to meet demand, but the risk of spoilage is high, so prices are likely to continue rising.” In response, authorities are working to assist farmers with drainage solutions and pest control measures to help mitigate further losses.
Meanwhile, consumers brace for continued price volatility as supply chain disruptions echo through the upcoming winter season.