As Pune grapples with intensifying summer heat in April 2025, the city’s vegetable supply chain is feeling the strain, resulting in a noticeable rise in prices for several key vegetables. Both traders and consumers at Pune’s Market Yard are reporting disruptions in arrivals and higher rates for select items, especially those sensitive to heat and water scarcity.
The ongoing high temperatures have led to reduced yields in major vegetable-growing regions supplying Pune. Farmers are struggling with water shortages and increased evaporation, which stunts plant growth and lowers overall output. As a result, the volume of fresh produce arriving at Pune’s Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard has dropped compared to the cooler months, directly impacting availability and market rates.
Over the last month, prices of green vegetables and summer-sensitive crops have surged by at least 30%, with further increases expected as the season progresses. For example:
Okra: Wholesale rates have jumped to ₹50-70/kg, while retail prices have touched ₹110-120/kg.
Eggplant: Now retailing at ₹110-120/kg, up from ₹25-70/kg earlier in the year.
Fenugreek: Once available at ₹2/bunch, now costs ₹10/bunch wholesale and ₹30-40/bunch at retail.
Cabbage and Cauliflower: Both winter staples are now priced at ₹50-60/kg in retail markets, up from ₹10-25/kg wholesale earlier.
Leafy greens such as coriander, spinach, and amaranth have also seen price hikes, with wholesale rates for coriander ranging from ₹500-1,000 per hundredweight and spinach at ₹800-1,000 per hundredweight.
Traders report that the number of trucks and tempos arriving daily at the Market Yard has dropped from over 100 during peak season to much lower figures as summer advances. The supply of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and peas has become inconsistent, often leading to price volatility.
While some vegetables like onions and bell peppers have seen stable or even declining prices due to increased arrivals from other states, the overall trend for green vegetables remains upward. The market continues to receive supplies from states like Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan, but the quantities are insufficient to fully meet Pune’s demand during the harsh summer months.
Consumers are feeling the pinch, with household budgets stretched by the rising cost of daily essentials. Many are opting for more affordable vegetables or reducing consumption of costlier greens and summer-sensitive items. Traders, meanwhile, are concerned about further supply drops if the heatwave persists or if water shortages worsen in key farming belts.
Experts and traders warn that unless there is relief from the heat or improved irrigation in growing regions, the upward trend in prices is likely to continue through May and June. Farmers are also exploring alternative crops that require less water, which may further reduce the supply of traditional vegetables in the short term.
