Wholesalers at Gudhuri market said that vegetable prices during this monsoon have increased by Rs 10-20 per kilo on average. [break]
Price of cauliflower has risen to Rs 60 per kg and pointed guard has become dearer by Rs 10 per kg from Rs 30 per kg recorded a week ago. According to farmers, vegetable prices have increased due to low production. Potato has also become dearer by Rs 4 and is being sold for Rs 30 per kilo. A year ago, potato sold for Rs 7 per kilo in Biratnagar.
Likewise, okra is selling for Rs 30 per kg, brinjal Rs 40 per kg, gourd Rs 20 per kg, tomatoes Rs 60 per kg and spinach at Rs 20 for a standard bunch. Brinjal was selling for Rs 10 per kg a month ago.
According to sellers, the increase in vegetable prices has directly affected sales. “The numbers of people buying vegetables has drastically come down recently,” said sellers. “The price hike is also due to lack of monitoring by the local administration,” Manish Subedi, a consumer said.
According to Regional Agriculture Office in Biratnagar, 17,300 tons of potato, 3,435 tons of brinjal, 193 tons of cauliflower and 83 tons of green chilli entered Biratnagar from plant quarantine checkpost at Bhantabari.
Vegetables are also imported from Jogbani and Kakarbhitta checkposts. Neighboring districts Dhankuta, Panchthar, Illam, Jhapa and Sunsari also supply vegetables to Biratnagar.
Related story
Vegetable prices nearly double to record highs
-1784277548.webp)
