Latest news with #KamalDe
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Summer vegetables rates soar with temperature; brinjal, capsicum touch 100-mark in Kolkata
KOLKATA: After weeks of stable supply and reasonable pricing, vegetable prices in Kolkata are witnessing a sudden surge due to extreme heat and inadequate pre-monsoon rainfall. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Traders and consumers alike are reporting a sharp increase in the cost of summer vegetables, with some items now selling at nearly double their previous prices. The impact of erratic weather is being felt across the supply chain — from farms to retail markets. "The quality of vegetables has deteriorated. The produce is smaller, less fresh, and spoils quickly, making it hard to store. So, vendors are lowering their uptake," said Kamal De, president of the West Bengal Vendors' Association. According to traders, scarce rainfall and persistent heat waves have disrupted cultivation, especially of heat-sensitive crops like brinjal (eggplant), tomato, bitter gourd, and drumsticks (sajna data). Many farmers are unable to maintain older brinjal plants during this season, resulting in lower output. In retail markets across Kolkata—including Lake Market, Behala, Gariahat, and Hatibagan—shoppers are complaining of inflated rates and variable pricing. "We had a good run of steady prices, but now things are changing fast. If this trend continues, it'll be a long-term worry," said Gaurab Das, a resident of Behala. In many markets, brinjal is selling at Rs 120 per kg even for standard quality, while higher-grade varieties are reaching Rs 150 per kg. At Lake Market, trader Subal Saha confirmed: "Prices have gone up slightly for most vegetables, but brinjal is especially short in supply. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We are selling it at Rs 120 per kg for decent quality. Rates vary widely across markets." Agricultural experts say low rainfall and heat stress are key culprits. "From June to mid-Sept, brinjal output drops by as much as 70–80% as old plants are uprooted and fresh ones take time to yield," a source in the horticulture department said. Farmers rely heavily on timely rains for vegetable farming, especially in districts supplying Kolkata like Hooghly, Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas. With pre-monsoon showers falling short, crops like brinjal, bitter gourd, and tomato have been badly hit. If the monsoon doesn't arrive on time and in sufficient volume, prices could remain elevated or climb further. Both wholesalers and vendors are urging the govt to explore early interventions such as improving irrigation support and protecting standing crops from heat damage. For now, Kolkata's vegetable shoppers may have to brace for a long summer of high prices and limited choices on their dinner tables.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Summer veggie rates soar with temp; brinjal, capsicum touch 100-mark
1 2 3 Kolkata: After weeks of stable supply and reasonable pricing, vegetable prices in Kolkata are witnessing a sudden surge due to extreme heat and inadequate pre-monsoon rainfall. Traders and consumers alike are reporting a sharp increase in the cost of summer vegetables, with some items now selling at nearly double their previous prices. The impact of erratic weather is being felt across the supply chain — from farms to retail markets. "The quality of vegetables has deteriorated. The produce is smaller, less fresh, and spoils quickly, making it hard to store. So, vendors are lowering their uptake," said Kamal De, president of the West Bengal Vendors' Association. According to traders, scarce rainfall and persistent heat waves have disrupted cultivation, especially of heat-sensitive crops like brinjal (eggplant), tomato, bitter gourd, and drumsticks (sajna data). Many farmers are unable to maintain older brinjal plants during this season, resulting in lower output. In retail markets across Kolkata—including Lake Market, Behala, Gariahat, and Hatibagan—shoppers are complaining of inflated rates and variable pricing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Tandil (ver precio) Verisure Undo "We had a good run of steady prices, but now things are changing fast. If this trend continues, it'll be a long-term worry," said Gaurab Das, a resident of Behala. In many markets, brinjal is selling at Rs 120 per kg even for standard quality, while higher-grade varieties are reaching Rs 150 per kg. At Lake Market, trader Subal Saha confirmed: "Prices have gone up slightly for most vegetables, but brinjal is especially short in supply. We are selling it at Rs 120 per kg for decent quality. Rates vary widely across markets." Agricultural experts say low rainfall and heat stress are key culprits. "From June to mid-Sept, brinjal output drops by as much as 70–80% as old plants are uprooted and fresh ones take time to yield," a source in the horticulture department said. Farmers rely heavily on timely rains for vegetable farming, especially in districts supplying Kolkata like Hooghly, Nadia, North and South 24 Parganas. With pre-monsoon showers falling short, crops like brinjal, bitter gourd, and tomato have been badly hit. If the monsoon doesn't arrive on time and in sufficient volume, prices could remain elevated or climb further. Both wholesalers and vendors are urging the govt to explore early interventions such as improving irrigation support and protecting standing crops from heat damage. For now, Kolkata's vegetable shoppers may have to brace for a long summer of high prices and limited choices on their dinner tables.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Price task force hits mkts after CM warning
Kolkata: Following a warning from CM Mamata Banerjee against hoarding and profiteering , all retail and wholesale markets across the state were brought under strict surveillance. The move aims to prevent artificial inflation of essential commodity prices amid rising national concerns over supply and Thursday, the CM addressed task force members and trade associations, urging them to step up their vigilance in the public interest. In response, the state task force sprang into action, initiating coordination with presidents and secretaries of local markets to ensure price monitoring and stock regulation. "We are preparing a plan to carry out continuous surveillance from early next week," said Kamal De, task force member and president of West Bengal Vendor Association . "While fish and vegetable markets are less prone to manipulation, there's a greater chance of hoarding in essential items like potatoes, onions, rice, pulses, and edible oil. We will cover both wholesale and retail markets."Task force members visited several markets on Friday, including Maniktala, one of Kolkata's major hubs. Officers from Bottola PS also joined the inspections. "We are fully cooperating with the local police, who are now tracking retail prices daily," said Bijoy Shaw, market secretary of Maniktala and a task force member. Operation Sindoor 'Did not want to...': Pak def min gives absurd excuse for army's failure to withstand Op Sindoor Blackouts, sirens & Pak's failed attacks: 10 things that happened in the last 36 hrs '1971 war was not remotely as terrifying': Residents of border areas shell-shocked "Small retailers don't have the capacity to hoard. Greater scrutiny should be placed on wholesalers. As of now, prices are stable, but we are maintaining a close watch."Chandan Chakraborty, secretary of the Howrah Vendors' Association, called for broader reforms in the surveillance system. "The Task Force needs to be more active and consistent. People with better market knowledge should be inducted into the team. And traders themselves must act more humanely in this time."Meanwhile, reports from Maniktala market show largely stable prices across most items. However, prices of Chandramukhi potatoes surged following high procurement costs — Rs 700 per sack plus transportation — making it impossible for traders to sell below Rs 35 per Following a warning from CM Mamata Banerjee against hoarding and profiteering, all retail and wholesale markets across the state were brought under strict surveillance. The move aims to prevent artificial inflation of essential commodity prices amid rising national concerns over supply and Thursday, the CM addressed task force members and trade associations, urging them to step up their vigilance in the public interest. In response, the state task force sprang into action, initiating coordination with presidents and secretaries of local markets to ensure price monitoring and stock regulation. "We are preparing a plan to carry out continuous surveillance from early next week," said Kamal De, task force member and president of West Bengal Vendor Association. "While fish and vegetable markets are less prone to manipulation, there's a greater chance of hoarding in essential items like potatoes, onions, rice, pulses, and edible oil. We will cover both wholesale and retail markets."Task force members visited several markets on Friday, including Maniktala, one of Kolkata's major hubs. Officers from Bottola PS also joined the inspections. "We are fully cooperating with the local police, who are now tracking retail prices daily," said Bijoy Shaw, market secretary of Maniktala and a task force member. "Small retailers don't have the capacity to hoard. Greater scrutiny should be placed on wholesalers. As of now, prices are stable, but we are maintaining a close watch."Chandan Chakraborty, secretary of the Howrah Vendors' Association, called for broader reforms in the surveillance system. "The Task Force needs to be more active and consistent. People with better market knowledge should be inducted into the team. And traders themselves must act more humanely in this time."Meanwhile, reports from Maniktala market show largely stable prices across most items. However, prices of Chandramukhi potatoes surged following high procurement costs — Rs 700 per sack plus transportation — making it impossible for traders to sell below Rs 35 per kg.
