Kitchens feel the heat as veggies end winter run, breach 50 mark
Times of India | 15 April 2025
12 Kolkata: A widening demand-supply gap is driving up vegetable prices in Kolkata's retail markets, as summer produce from Bengal's domestic growers is yet to arrive in full swing. With the bulk of supplies coming from distant states, retailers are increasingly grading vegetables into two categories — ‘ordinary' and ‘premium' — to manage quality and pricing. Except for tomatoes and a few lingering winter greens, most vegetables crossed the Rs 50 per kg mark, straining household budgets across the city.
According to traders, prices are unlikely to cool down before the next fortnight, when Bengal's own fresh produce is expected to arrive in markets. The disappointment was palpable on the faces of customers. "Vegetables are again burning holes in our pockets. If you choose to buy quality vegetables, the hole gets bigger," said Bikram Paul, a swimming trainer in Behala. "Almost all vegetables are being sold at a premium. Prices might remain high until local harvests begin hitting the markets steadily," said Kartick Saha, a trader at Maniktala market.
While cauliflower prices are stable at Rs 30-Rs 50, premium varieties from Ranchi are retailing at higher prices due to the end of Bengal's supply. "Cauliflower from Ranchi has started flooding markets. Since Bengal's crop is nearly over, we're relying on Ranchi's Class-1 produce, which comes at a higher price," said Kamal De, president of West Bengal Vendors' Association.
Broccoli prices surged dramatically, with Bengal varieties priced around Rs 150 per kg and Delhi varieties reaching Rs 200 per kg. Traders noted that earlier, broccoli was sold per piece at rates similar to cauliflower. Now, it is strictly sold by weight, and buyers are feeling the pinch.
Pointed gourd also saw a steep rise, now priced at Rs 60-Rs 70 per kg. Although bitter gourd is being sold wholesale at Rs 30 per kg, retail prices are hovering between Rs 50 and Rs 80. Tomatoes remain the most affordable, available at Rs 20-Rs 25 per kg. "This is because Bengal's tomato crop is still in the fields due to late sowing. Tomatoes will remain reasonably priced till mid-May. After that, we'll have to depend on supply from Bangalore and Ranchi, which will drive prices up again," Saha said.
Vendors also pointed out summer heat is affecting quality of vegetables, which, in turn, is affecting the prices for ‘ordinary' and ‘special' categories.