Vegetable, sugarcane prices rise before Pongal
CHENNAI: Ahead of Pongal, vegetable prices rose by 20 per cent in the city’s wholesale and retail markets due to increased arrival of the commodity.
Unlike previous years, the markets received adequate supply of sugarcane and turmeric bunches, resulting in an increase in the rate. Traders said sales have been sluggish for the last few years following the lockdown caused by the Covid pandemic, however, the city markets have witnessed brisk sales during this festive season.
Cultivation of the first crop led to more than 550 vehicles of vegetables arriving at Koyambedu wholesale market from neighboring states of Tamil Nadu for Pongal. Even supplies from Tamil Nadu have increased marginally recently. P Sukumaran, secretary of the Koyambedu Wholesale Merchants Association, said, “We have seen 100 per cent brisk sales unlike the last festive season. However, from Monday onwards the prices may see a decline and will come down to 10 per cent.”
Similarly, Koyambedu market has set up a special market for sugarcane, turmeric and other products for the Pongal festival. Last year, a bunch of sugarcane consisting of 15 to 16 pieces was sold for Rs 400 to Rs 500, while this year due to increase in supply it has been sold for Rs 500 – 600. Even the price of turmeric flakes has seen a slight increase. Sold at Rs 50 to 60 per kg.
Prices of vegetables increased by 20 percent in the wholesale market. Drumstick was sold at Rs 120 to 130 per kg, onion, tomato and potato at Rs 25 to 30 per kg, broad beans and beans at Rs 50 per kg and other vegetables above Rs 40 per kg. An increase of Rs 10 to 20 was seen in rates in retail markets compared to wholesale market prices.
