Vegetable prices cross century-mark in Odisha as Kartik month begins

The prices of vegetables in Odisha have increased drastically over the past few days, biting into the monthly budget of consumers. People across the state, are feeling the pinch, as most of the vegetable prices have crossed the century mark.

The retail prices of vegetables have skyrocketed mostly in Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack. In Berhampur, brinjal is being sold for Rs 80-90/kg, beans for Rs 100/kg, tomato for Rs 70/kg and spine gourd for Rs 100/kg. Prices of other vegetables such as bitter gourd, chili, and bottle gourd have also increased with the advent of the Kartika month.

The situation is no different in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. There is hardly any vegetable that is below Rs 70-80/kg. In Bhubaneswar, capsicum is sold for over Rs 150-200/kg. The surge in prices is attributed to the month of Kartika.

Not just vegetables, even the price of green leaves, a staple in Indian kitchens, have also hit record highs, leaving citizens unhappy. The unprecedented price hike has come as a burden on consumers who are already reeling under the price rise of daily essentials like cooking oil, pulses, rice, and other edible items.

While the surge in prices is being attributed to several factors, it is the middle and lower-income families that have been hit the hardest.