Odisha Vegetable Prices Rise During Kartik As Crop Damage Disrupts Supply In Cuttack

Odisha Vegetable Prices Rise During Kartik As Crop Damage Disrupts Supply In Cuttack

Cuttack, Nov 11 (UDN): Consumers in Cuttack are facing higher vegetable prices during the holy month of Kartik, as increased demand and disruptions in supply push up the cost of essential kitchen items.

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With many households observing Kartik by following a vegetarian diet, demand for fresh vegetables has risen. At the same time, rainfall-related crop damage in neighbouring states and flood losses in parts of Odisha have reportedly affected the supply chain, adding to the pressure on prices.

Brinjal is currently selling at around Rs 60 per kg in Cuttack markets, while pointed gourd (potala), yardlong beans (jhudanga) and French beans are priced at nearly Rs 100 per kg.

Rainfall And Flood Damage Disrupt Supply

Odisha depends on neighbouring states for supplies of several varieties of vegetables. However, prolonged rainfall in those states has reportedly damaged crops and disrupted the flow of produce into local markets.

The situation has been compounded by flood-related damage to vegetable cultivation in parts of Odisha. Many local farmers are also yet to harvest their crops, leaving markets with limited arrivals.

The gap between demand and available supply has contributed to the rise in retail prices, affecting household budgets during Kartik.

Vendors Hope For Improvement In Arrivals

Vegetable sellers say the supply of fresh produce has not improved sufficiently with the onset of winter, keeping prices elevated.

A vendor said pointed gourd was being sold at around Rs 70 per kg, while yardlong beans, which were earlier available for Rs 50 per kg, were no longer being sold at that rate. The seller attributed the higher prices to limited arrivals and expressed hope that rates would decline once supplies improve.

Consumers Say Transport Costs Also Matter

Consumers, however, have differing views on the price rise. Some believe the current rates are reasonable, considering that a significant quantity of vegetables is being brought into Odisha from outside the state.

One customer said prices were not excessively high and had remained more or less stable in recent days. The customer added that transportation costs naturally affect the final retail price.

With Kartik-related demand continuing, consumers will be watching for an improvement in market arrivals and some relief in vegetable prices in the coming days.