Winter veggies’ entry cools Kolkata markets, prices likely to dip further next week
Times of India | 18 November 2024
12 Kolkata: In a much-needed relief to the consumers, the prices of vegetables are on the decline in Kolkata's retail markets owing to a steady supply of winter produce. Though the chill is yet to set in, the seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and tomatoes are selling at reduced prices compared to the past few weeks, especially the period between Kali Puja and Bhai Phonta.
For instance, cauliflower—which was then selling at Rs 70-80 per piece rate — is now available for Rs 20-30 per piece. Similarly, the price of cabbage dipped from Rs 80/kg to Rs 60/kg. Onion stalks, which were priced at Rs 120-130 per kg, are now being sold at Rs 100/kg. Bitter gourd, pointed gourd, and okra have become affordable for buyers. However, green peas continue to be expensive due to a delayed local harvest. Currently, most green peas are being sourced from Himachal Pradesh, leading to inflated prices. A kilogram of green peas, which cost Rs 250 just a few days back, is now selling for Rs 300. Even the price of eggplant (brinjal), which reached record highs up to Rs 200 per kg, saw a drastic reduction. Prices halved from Rs 120 to Rs 60-70 per kg. Other vegetables have also become cheaper. Beans, which were initially priced at Rs 150 per kg, are now available at Rs 80 per kg. However, premium quality beans are still selling for Rs 100-120 per kg. Capsicum, which was selling at Rs 120 per kg, is now being sold at Rs 100 per kg. Tomatoes are now priced at Rs 60 per kg.
"On Friday, for the first time in a long while, I was able to buy a wide variety of vegetables with almost half the amount I spent just a week ago," shared Arup Tarafdar, a shopper at Behala Purono Bazar.
Nitesh Saha, a trader at Maniktala Market, said, "Prices are likely to fall further as winter intensifies. However, summer vegetables like pointed gourd, okra, and bitter gourd remain relatively expensive. Some winter items like green peas and broccoli are still costly. Their prices should also drop in the coming weeks."
Kamal De, president of the West Bengal Vendors' Association, confirmed the downward trend of vegetable prices and expected further fall next week
."The need to import vegetables from other states will also decrease due to the availability of local produce," he added.