Early monsoon onset makes vegetable a luxury!
Early monsoon onset makes vegetable a luxury!
The sudden surge in prices has left consumers scrambling to balance household budgets. For those already burdened by high fuel prices, rising education fees, and transportation costs, this added expense is a serious blow
Prices of vegetables soar at Dadar market, following crop damage across the state has become a matter for concer. It has once again punched a hole in the pockets of Mumbai’s middle-class families, already reeling under rising living costs. Triggered by heavy pre-monsoon showers followed by the early arrival of the monsoon, the sudden surge in prices has left consumers scrambling to balance household budgets. For those already burdened by high fuel prices, rising education fees, and transportation costs, this added expense is a serious blow.
The key standing vegetable crops in Maharashtra are tomatoes, brinjal, onions, potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, chillies, and various gourds – are highly vulnerable to erratic rainfall. Earlier, harvesting and supply were relatively steady.
But now, due to heavy pre-monsoon and monsoon rains, crops are getting damaged more frequently, affecting their quality and disrupting the supply chain. This naturally pushes prices up.”
The government’s initiative of connecting farmers directly with consumers through cooperative outlets is commendable and must be expanded rapidly to control prices and ensure fair access to essential food items. We therefore demand that the state government take immediate and effective steps to stabilise vegetable prices by strengthening direct-from-farm distribution channels and utilising cold storage infrastructure to prevent spoilage.
In addition the state government should be monitoring and regulating middlemen and traders to prevent exploitation thereby ensuring smooth transportation of vegetables despite weather-related disruptions. Timely intervention will not only help stabilise prices but also safeguard food security of millions across the state. We look forward to your prompt and positive action,” said Advocate Godfrey Pimenta, trustee, Watchdog Foundation in the letter addressed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Many Mumbaikars expressed frustration, pointing out that despite paying taxes and GST on nearly every product and service, they receive little relief in times of crisis.
Esha Narkar from Vasai was shocked by vegetable prices after stepping out to shop, having relied on online deliveries so far. Narkar said, they usually order online, but when he had to go to the market recently, he was shocked at the prices. week’s groceries used to cost Rs 700-800 including meat. Last week, paid Rs 635 just for a few vegetables – for two people!”
Girija O from Andheri says her monthly vegetable bill has doubled, wiping out the benefit of her recent salary hike. “How do we survive when our basic grocery bills have doubled?” said Girija O from Andheri. “After a long-awaited salary hike, I felt happy for a moment. But with prices of essentials rising, I’m back to square one. Vegetables used to cost Rs 2000 a month. Now it’s Rs 4000 for a family of four. Improving one’s standard of living feels like a distant dream.”
Some families are switching to cheaper alternatives.
News Edit KV Raman.
