Rising prices of vegetables, groceries in Odisha upset household budgets

The soaring prices of not only potatoes and onions but also vegetables are pinching the pockets of consumers across the state, forcing the traders’ association to mull on hitting the streets. 

As per reports, tomatoes are selling at Rs 80 to Rs 100 a kilogram in most cities. Cauliflower, beans and capsicum are selling for over Rs 100 a kilogram. In the retail market, the prices of vegetables such as brinjal, lady’s finger, bitter gourd, long beans, pointed gourd, cluster beans and cabbage have shot above Rs 70. Except for papaya and ivy gourd, no vegetable is selling below Rs 50. 

The skyrocketing prices of vegetables, that too well before the holy Kartik month, have upset household budgets, leaving consumers worried. 

“No vegetable is available at Rs 50. Most vegetables are selling for over Rs 100,’ said Subhadarshini Malla, a consumer. 

Expressing his concern, the secretary of Chhatra Bazar Byabasayee Sangha, Debendra Nath Sahoo said, “No vegetable is growing in Odisha. For everything, Odisha depends on other states. Rainwater has caused damage to vegetable crops in other states, resulting in the crisis.”

The increasing prices of grocery items are also bleeding consumers white. Within one month, the price of edible oil has increased by Rs 25 to Rs 40 a litre. The price of mustard oil has increased from Rs 110 last month to Rs 150. Similarly, palm oil and sunflower oil were selling at Rs 85 and Rs 100 respectively last month. Now, their prices have increased to Rs 120 and Rs 125, respectively. 

Also Read: Will procure seeds from UP, Punjab & distribute on time to farmers: Odisha Dy CM on Potato Mission  

The prices of refined wheat flour, semolina and wheat have also become costlier by Rs 200 to Rs 300. Fine rice has witnessed an increase of Rs 400 a quintal and is presently selling at Rs 5,200. 

The traders’ association ascribed the present market situation to the monopoly of corporate houses that have set their foot in the retail market. 

“Due to the interference of corporate houses, the prices of essential grocery items are increasing. They are confusing consumers. If they do business like any common businessman, we wouldn’t have anything to complain. If they continue to do business like this, the traders’ association would hit the street for the cause of consumers and traders and the government will be responsible for the consequences,” said Sudhakar Panda, General Secretary, Odisha Byabasayee Mahasangha.