Monsoon delays push up vegetable prices across Saurashtra

The delay in the arrival of monsoon rains and the continuing heatwave in Saurashtra have started affecting vegetable prices across the region. Consumers are now paying significantly more for essential vegetables and greens as supply remains limited. 

Tomato prices have increased by nearly 30 to 40% over the past two weeks. Until the end of May, tomatoes were being sold in the wholesale market at ₹275 to ₹600 per 20 kg. However, due to supply shortages, prices have now risen to ₹525 to ₹850 per 20 kg.

The price rise is not limited to tomatoes. Lemon, coriander, fenugreek, ginger, and cluster beans have also become more expensive. Lemon prices currently range between ₹650 and ₹1,200 per 20 kg, while ginger has touched a record high of ₹1,700 to ₹2,100 per 20 kg in wholesale markets.

Fenugreek have witnessed one of the sharpest increases. Between June 8 and June 13, prices jumped from ₹620–₹850 per 20 kg to ₹881–₹1,371 per 20 kg. Coriander prices are also trading at higher levels, ranging from ₹600 to ₹1,000 per 20 kg.

According to market officials, local production of green leafy vegetables has almost come to an end. As a result, traders are now bringing supplies from Indore in Madhya Pradesh. The additional transportation and handling costs are further pushing up market rates. 

Yard chairman Kanabhai Chavda said that unless the monsoon becomes active in the region and local production improves, prices of key vegetables such as tomatoes and lemons are likely to remain high in the coming days.