Lucknow:These days, the temperature of inflation is rising from the fruit and vegetable markets of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, to the street retail markets. The torrential rains in the last few days and the natural disasters in foreign states have disrupted the entire supply chain. The decrease in arrival of vegetables in the markets is directly impacting the pockets of the common man. Prices of green vegetables and onions are skyrocketing in major retail markets like Alambagh, Fatehganj and Nishatganj. Within just three days, the price of the most essential kitchen item i.e. onion has increased by Rs 10 per kg.
Nashik's rain spoiled the mathematics of Dubagga Mandi
Heavy rains in Maharashtra have caused huge damage to standing onion crops. Earlier, 15 to 20 trucks of onions used to reach Dubagga Mandi daily, whereas now it has reduced to only 10 to 12 trucks.
Due to this huge shortage, onion prices in the wholesale market have directly increased from Rs 27-32 to Rs 37-42 per kg. Customers are getting it at Rs 55 to 60 per kg.
Prices of green vegetables rise
Not only onions but other green vegetables are also spoiling the kitchen budget. Potato, which was earlier available in the market at Rs 10 to 15 per kg, has now increased to touch the level of Rs 15 to 24. Lady finger is priced at Rs 40 and seasonal vegetables like bottle gourd and ridge gourd are priced at Rs 30 to 40 per kg. The prices of capsicum and green coriander have crossed Rs 100 to Rs 120. However, amidst this entire crisis, tomatoes have definitely given some relief to the common consumers. Due to improvement in supply, tomatoes have become cheaper by Rs 10 and have now come down to Rs 40 per kg. Due to this fierce trend of vegetables, the monthly vegetable budget of middle class families has increased from Rs 3,000-3,500 to Rs 5,000-5,500.
Inflation attack on Lucknow's kitchen
Due to distance from the market and increasing transportation costs, there is a lot of variation in the prices of vegetables in different areas of Lucknow. For example, capsicum is available for Rs 100-120 per kg in Alambagh, whereas in Fatehganj it is available for Rs 100. Similarly, potato is priced around Rs 20-24 in Alambagh and Rs 15-20 in Fatehganj. Overall, due to this fierce trend of vegetables, the monthly vegetable budget of middle class families has increased from Rs 3,000-3,500 to Rs 5,000-5,500.