BHOPAL: This season it's the price of lemons and not tomatoes or onions which is making media headlines and is a hot topic of chatter on social media platforms.
But, it’s not the price of lemons alone which has made it a prized commodity for a common man but with the summer in full bloom, prices of green vegetables are also up considerably.
“When vegetable vendors start telling prices in 250 gms (paav), I know the vegetables have become dearer. That's why he is letting you know their prices in smaller quantities and not per Kg or half Kg. This situation has arrived,” said Vishal Saxena, a regular at Bittan Market.
Vegetables are generally costlier in summer. Adding to the seasonal factor, transportation prices have also gone up due to considerable hike in diesel rates. Seventy percent of vegetables in Bhopal come from outside — from within MP and other states/ Vegetables come to Bhopal from as far away as Karnataka, Maharashtra is the top exporter of vegetables to Bhopal. “If prices of diesel will rise, vegetables and fruits prices will also go up", said president of Bittan Market Sabji Vyapari Mahasangh, Hariom Khatik.
In fact, in the last month prices of most green vegetables have doubled — gobi is selling for Rs 60/kg, karela at Rs 80, beans Rs 120, capsicum Rs 120 and the modest brinjal and lauki at Rs 40/kg. Thankfully, prices of tomato, potato and onion have not risen.
Vishal, however, points out that vegetables were more expensive last summer because of the lockdown due to the second wave of Corona.
It's not vegetables alone which have become expensive but also fruits with quality apple selling for Rs 180 per Kg and king of summer mango (only badam variety of mangoes is available till now) selling for Rs 160 per Kg. Like potato, tomato and onion among vegetables, tarbuj, kharbuja and santara are exceptions among fruits selling at Rs 20 and Rs 40 per Kg.
