Bhubaneswar: Lack of rainfall and continuing hot and humid weather in the state led to a rise in vegetable prices by 50 to 100% in the last one week. Consumers feel the burden of skyrocketing prices not only for green groceries but also for other essential items like rice, pulses and edible oil.
“Prices of vegetables have seen an uptick in the last one week as supply has reduced.Due to heat and lack of rainfall for a long period, production has been affected. Supply from districts across Odisha and also from other states have reduced significantly, increasing the prices,” said Sushant Samantray, a vegetable vendor at Unit-1 market.

“If it does not rain in another week, the prices may increase further,” he added.
According to sources, most of the green vegetables are selling at rates of above Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg. Except pumpkin and green papaya, all vegetables are selling for more than Rs 60 per kg.
“It has become difficult to get a bag full of vegetables for Rs 500 that does not last for a week. Kitchen essentials like tomato and onion prices have increased by Rs 30 and Rs 5 compared to last week,” said Sabita Pradhan, a homemaker.
Consumers also expressed concern over the increasing prices of rice, dal, and edible oil in the last couple of weeks.
Price of rice has increased by Rs 400 per quintal. “The rice we used to buy at Rs 40 per kg last month is now available at Rs 44 to Rs 45 per kg. Similarly, the price of dal has increased by Rs 10 per kg and edible oil by Rs 5 to Rs 8 per liter in the last one week. The prices of suji, besan, maida have also increased by Rs 5-10 per kg. The govt must take some steps to check this price rise,” said Hemant Kumar Sahu, a small eatery owner in Unit-4 area.
Secretary of Odisha Byabasayee Sangh, Sudhakar Panda said, “Erratic weather conditions have been a reason for price rise. Besides, soaring prices of various essential commodities have made things difficult for households. Low production and mismanagement by corporate giants are also responsible for the increasing burden of price rise on consumers.”

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