Pune: Gultekdi Market Yard has seen a significant reduction in the arrival of vegetables from both the state and other parts of the country compared to the previous week.
As a result, the supply-demand gap has led to a price increase in key vegetables such as onions, green chilies, bell peppers, and cauliflower, while other vegetable prices have remained stable.
On Sunday (September 15), around 90 trucks loaded with vegetables from states like Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh arrived at the yard. Among them, 10 tempos of green chilies, 6 tempos of cabbage, and 5 tempos of garlic were delivered from various regions. The overall lower inflow of vegetables has strained the market, pushing up prices in the wholesale sector.
Price Hike in Essential Vegetables
The reduced arrival of vegetables has especially impacted onions, which are now priced between ₹450 and ₹500 per 10 kilograms.
Similarly, green chilies and bell peppers have seen a price increase, with green chilies now ranging from ₹450 to ₹500 per 10 kilograms. The price of garlic has also surged, reaching up to ₹3,200 per 10 kilograms.
Local suppliers contributed to the overall vegetable stock, with significant deliveries of tomatoes, okra, and cucumbers. However, despite the local contribution, the supply remains insufficient to meet the growing demand, further exacerbating the price hike.
Leafy Greens Remain Expensive
For the past month, leafy vegetables like coriander and fenugreek have experienced soaring prices. Coriander, for example, is priced between ₹3,500 and ₹5,000 per hundred bunches in the wholesale market, with no relief in sight. Retail prices also remain high, with coriander being sold at ₹80 per bunch in local markets.
Fruits and Flowers: A Mixed Trend
In the fruit market, prices for custard apples, papayas, sapodilla, and guavas have dropped, thanks to increased supply. However, pomegranates and apples have become more expensive. Despite the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities driving demand, the oversupply has resulted in lower prices for certain fruits.
The flower market has also seen a drastic shift, with prices of marigolds and chrysanthemums plunging by 50% due to increased supply and reduced demand. This is in contrast to roses, which have maintained stable prices.