Vegetable prices may skyrocket

Mysore/Mysuru: The lack of rainfall in Mysuru region has not only affected the farmers but also the common man. People, who have been battling the soaring temperature, are now facing the heat of increase in the prices of few vegetables and tender coconuts.

To the surprise of the common man, the prices of tender coconut, which was being sold at Rs. 40 each, is now costing Rs. 50. Among the vegetables of which the prices have increased are the most commonly used coconuts, beans, garlic, capsicum, green chillies and cucumber. The price of Beans (Ooty) is now Rs. 150 per kg, Beans (Farm) Rs. 140 per kg, earlier they were being sold at Rs. 70 per kg each.  Meanwhile, Capsicum is being sold at Rs. 50 per kg, Carrot Rs. 50 per kg, Green Chillies Rs. 80 per kg, Cucumber Rs. 40 per kg, Garlic Rs. 180 per kg and Potato Rs. 35 per kg. However, the prices of Tomato and Onions have remained pocket friendly costing Rs. 20 to Rs. 25 per kg respectively.

Meanwhile, the prices of greens too have witnessed price rise with a bundle of Coriander and Amaranthus (Dantina Soppu) costing Rs. 10 per bundle. It is also expected that the prices of the vegetables might witness a further hike if rains gods do not shower their blessings in the near future.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Manjunath, a coconut merchant at Devaraja Market, said that the prices of coconut had increased because of low yield in the State.  “We are importing coconuts from Pollachi in Tamil Nadu and with the high transportation charges involved there is no other option but to increase the prices of the coconuts depending on their    size,” he said.

Krishnappa, also a coconut merchant, said that the merchants are being charged  Rs. 1.50 to Rs. 2 as the transportation charges to get Coconuts from Tamil Nadu.

He added the prices of the coconuts are expected to be high in the months of April, May and June in this part of the region.