Bengaluru witnessing dramatic surge in vegetable prices

Price rise due to prolonged drought and recent heavy rains

Price of beans has breached the Rs 260 mark per kilogram

In an unprecedented turn of events, Bengaluru is witnessing a dramatic surge in vegetable prices, driven by a combination of prolonged drought and recent heavy rains.

For the first time, the price of beans has breached the Rs 260 mark per kilogram. This surge reflects broader trends affecting a variety of vegetables. Ginger is now priced at Rs 220 per kilogram, carrots at Rs 80, chilies at Rs 120, okra at Rs 60, beetroot at Rs 50, and garlic at Rs 240. Cauliflower and cabbage prices have also seen significant hikes, with cauliflower at Rs 35 per piece and cabbage at Rs 50 per kilogram.

Also read: Karnataka: Prices of veggies, milk unbearably exorbitant!

The situation has escalated swiftly, with the price of beans alone increasing by Rs 100-150 within days. Tomatoes, now priced at Rs 45-50 per kilogram, and spinach, at Rs 30-40 per kilogram, have also become considerably more expensive. The erratic weather patterns, marked by unseasonal rains and intense heatwaves, have severely impacted crop yields, leading to a vegetable shortage.

The timing could not be worse, coinciding with the wedding season and various festivals, which traditionally boost vegetable demand. The resulting price hikes have hit consumers hard, particularly affecting middle-class and lower-income households. Many are now struggling to afford basic vegetables, even as quality declines.

This steep increase in vegetable prices has left Bengaluru residents grappling with the significant impact on their household budgets, highlighting the urgent need for measures to stabilize the supply and manage prices more effectively.