In this locality, the cost of vegetables has surged dramatically. Previously, up to 8,000 quintals of onions found their way to Hyderabad city each day, maintaining a steady price of Rs.20 per kg for six consecutive months.
However, there has been a notable spike in onion prices. Marketing authorities attribute this to a decrease in supply, with only 5,000 to 6,000 quintals arriving. They suggest that with ample quantities available, onions could still be procured at Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg.
Typically, vegetable prices ascend during summer and dwindle with the onset of rain. Yet, this time, the narrative is distinct. Prices remained stable through summer but escalated swiftly once the rainy season commenced.
In open markets, prices soar 30% to 60% higher compared to farmers markets. On May 20, onions were priced at Rs.20 per kg, now inflated to Rs.40. Likewise, tomatoes, once Rs.25 in early June, now command Rs.50 per kg. Eggplants stand at Rs 40 per kg, green chilies at Rs 80 per kg, while beans, carrots, beetroot, capsicum, zucchini, bitter gourd, mint, coriander, and other greens have seen their prices double.
Telangana’s population requires 38.54 lakh tonnes of vegetables annually, yet only 19.54 lakh tonnes are presently produced. While crops span over 1.30 crore acres, vegetable cultivation is confined to 3.11 lakh acres, necessitating a dependency on other states for approximately 19 lakh tonnes of produce.
This summer has witnessed a 20% decline in local vegetable production, prompting traders to import extensively from other states to meet demands. Prices remained stable until May but surged with the onset of rain in the first week of June. However, rain-damaged imports have caused traders to scale back on imports.
Hyderabad’s populace demands around 3,300 tons of vegetables daily, yet only 2,800 tonnes trickle into wholesale markets weekly.
“Vegetable crops were recently sown under wells and boreholes in Telangana, with some yield expected by month-end. Concurrently, monsoon crop cultivation has commenced, with yields projected for July and August, foreseeably easing market prices,” stated marketing officials.
Ch. Ramu, a resident of Miyapur, voiced concerns over rising vegetable prices, urging the government to implement effective control measures and maintain reserves to cushion against price hikes.
Anjamma, a vegetable vendor at Monda Market, lamented the price surge, reporting losses as fewer customers purchase beans and carrots, resulting in spoilage.
