With vegetable prices still at high levels, the Kerala state government has decided to ship in vegetables from neighbouring states to meet the likely surge in demand in the lead-up to Onam. Minister for Agriculture P. Prasad said discussions with vegetable producers in other states, including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, have already taken place to enable these procurements.
He said: “We had faced a similar issue a few years ago. During that time, we brought the vegetables on a truck to manage the demand during the festival season. If the price of some vegetables remains high, we will directly procure them from the vegetable producer organisations to meet the demand ahead of Onam. A discussion with them is already over.”
The prices of vegetables, which are mainly cultivated in other states, have recorded an all-time high due to rains in the growing regions. The price of tomatoes has almost touched Rs 150 in the retail market, while the price of ginger has crossed Rs 300/kg. Green chilli, which was sold at Rs 55/kg, is fluctuating between Rs 80-85.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: newindianexpress.com