Mumbai: The cost of essential vegetables in Mumbai has surged dramatically over the past week, further straining household budgets already impacted by rising milk prices. The increase in vegetable prices follows the conclusion of the General Election on June 4. Tomatoes now cost between Rs 52-60 per kilogram, up from Rs 30-35. Similarly, onions and potatoes have risen to Rs 34-50, compared to their previous prices of Rs 24-28. Traders anticipate that these high prices will persist until the end of July.
Vegetable vendors attribute the price hikes to extreme heat, unseasonal rain in key growing regions, and subsequent spoilage, leading to reduced arrivals and increased prices. Eggs are currently priced at Rs 90 per dozen, and chicken costs upwards of Rs 280-300 per kilogram, further exacerbating the financial burden on households. The potato, a staple in Indian kitchens, reached an astonishing Rs 50 per kilogram in Bandra on Saturday. French beans, typically more expensive than other vegetables, also saw a significant price increase, reaching Rs 200-240 per kilogram.
In Malad’s Orlem Market, the price of tomatoes jumped from Rs 40 to 60 per kilogram within a week, while onions increased from Rs 35 to 40. Similarly, in Kalwa Market, Thane, tomato prices rose from Rs 40 to 55 per kilogram, and onions from Rs 30 to 35. In Navi Mumbai’s Nerul area, tomatoes were sold for a seasonal high of Rs 60 on Saturday. The markets in Bandra Pali, Khar, and Matunga reported similar price hikes, and Kalyan’s wholesale vegetable market observed premium prices for beans, onions, tomatoes, and garlic.
Green grocers in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West, struggled to explain the rapid price increases to their regular customers. An attendant at Home Choice grocery store noted, “Tomato prices have been rising daily since Monday, starting from Rs 28 and now reaching Rs 52. Onion and potato prices, which averaged Rs 25-28, have escalated to Rs 34.” A wholesale vegetable trader at Vashi APMC explained, “The wholesale price of tomatoes has increased to Rs 40 due to a demand-supply mismatch. The end of the harvest season has resulted in scanty supply from crop areas, pushing prices up. Unseasonal rain in the producing areas has damaged crops, reducing supply further. This trend will continue until the new harvest arrives by late July, with further price increases expected in the coming days. The rise in prices of other vegetables is a regular feature every summer due to scanty supply.”
The ongoing price surge in essential vegetables highlights the vulnerabilities in the supply chain and the impact of climatic conditions on agricultural production. As the monsoon season approaches, consumers and vendors alike are bracing for continued price volatility and the hope for relief only by the end of July.
This analysis underscores the need for improved infrastructure and better planning to mitigate the effects of adverse weather conditions on essential food supplies. Until then, Mumbai’s residents will continue to bear the brunt of these soaring prices.
