Goa gets respite from rain, but not high veggie prices

PANAJI: As the state witnesses a halt in the intense rainfall that occurred due to cyclone Kyarr, the resulting sharp rise in vegetable prices is yet to come down. While the prices have reduced to an extent, their direction is still unpredictable, said vendors.
“Onions, priced at Rs 80 a kg nearly a week ago, are now at Rs 60. Vegetables prices are unpredictable and can increase or decrease within the span of a day because of multiple factors,” said Khaja Akbar, a vendor at Panaji market.
_{Sharp rise in vegetable prices is yet to come down}
“Capsicum is being sold at Rs 80 a kg, with prices expected to increase by about Rs 20 over next week. The same is the case with onions,” said Anil Chauhan, a small private vendor in Caranzalem. However, the prices of herbs like coriander and fenugreek have come down. On the other hand, the price of garlic has shot up from Rs 180 to Rs 240 per kg.
Laxman, a farmer from Caranzalem sells his own produce, which makes his prices lower than the market, and thus attractive. Farmers like him provide a small respite for buyers who do not need to rely on the supply coming from the rain-hit areas of Kartanaka.
“The prices of our vegetables are very low compared to Panaji market. But our produce is limited. So, we too rely on Panaji market to buy certain types of vegetables for our survival,” said Laxman. “We have been severely affected by the rains this year and will be sowing the seeds a little late this time,” he added.
Needless to say, the rise in vegetable prices is burning a hole in the pockets of consumers.
“The prices of vegetables are skyrocketing and out of the budget of the common man. I have a kitchen garden which got spoilt due to rains and we are left with no choice but to purchase certain vegetables like potatoes and onions from the market, no matter how expensive they are,” said Fatima Fernandes, a regular at Panaji market.