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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.