High temperatures are taking a toll on various districts of Maharashtra, and the prices for vegetables saw increases. In Mumbai, the prices of greens like coriander and spinach have increased by 20 per cent. Sellers say that a further increase is expected in the coming days. Agriculture experts have stated that the ongoing drought conditions in Maharashtra are the major reason for lowered crop production, which has now led to a hike in prices.
According to the National Horticulture Board (NHB), the prices of brinjals and cabbage has increased by 7.7 per cent and 11 per cent each as compared to last year while cauliflower and okra’s prices shot up to 20 per cent and 32 per cent respectively.
“We are afraid that in the coming weeks, the prices will further increase as the supply at Agricultural Produce Market Committee has been hit,” said a vegetable vendor at Mulund civic market.
Meanwhile, the NHB has also stated that fruit and vegetable production in Maharashtra is expected to decrease in the 2018-19 crop year.
Fruit production is likely to drop to 9.99 million tons from 11.7 million tons from last year and vegetable production is likely to be hit with a drop to 11.6 million tons, from 12.3 million tons from last year .
Asianage.com reports that earlier, the Indian Meteorological Department had stated that the monsoon over the country would be robust if El Niño conditions do not prevail.