KATHMANDU, July 10: Wholesale price of seasonal vegetables has plunged due to oversupply in the market.
A snap survey conducted by Republica shows that wholesale price of major vegetables like white potato, tomato -- both small and large, string beans, dried shallot, cabbage, lady's finger, radish, dried Chinese and Nepali garlic fell by as much as 30 percent on July 1 this year, compared to July l last year.
“Around 650 to 750 tons of vegetables enter the Kalimati Vegetables Market every day. It is natural for the prices to drop where supply increases in the market,” Ramesh Dangol, the planning officer of Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Board, told Republica. “Price had gone up marginally last week when obstruction in vehicular traffic on major highways affected supplies.”
Vegetables from different parts of the country come to Kalimati Vegetables Market. It is then supplied to other parts of the valley through retailers.
Vegetables price had increased considerably last year after the impacts of the 2015 earthquakes and the Indian blockade affected supplies in the market.
“Production fell sharply after the earthquakes of 2015. Similarly, the Indian blockade affected supplies of vegetables. This affected prices in the market,” Dangol said, adding: “Production has increased this year and there is no disturbance in supply chain.”
Vegetables are supplied in the valley from different parts of the country through roadways.
“However, supply disruption cannot be ruled out in the coming days as monsoon rains can cause floods and landslides. Should that happen, prices will go up again,” Dangol added.
The price of seasonal vegetables like pumpkin, ginger, cauliflower, sponge gourd, dried onion, egg plant and coriander, had plunged by 30 percent at the same time last year.
Different supply patterns followed by situations affect the price of vegetables in Nepali market.
Officials say it is natural for the prices to drop in flush season. But they fear prices may go up if there is any hurdle in supply chain.
Veg prices moderate on improved supplies
