Jaipur: Vegetable prices in Jaipur’s retail markets have surged sharply over the past week due to erratic weather conditions and a supply crunch, with several items now selling at nearly double their wholesale rates. Traders at Muhana Mandi attributed the rise to disruptions caused by pre-monsoon activity and warned that prices could increase further once the monsoon intensifies and local arrivals decline.TOI spoke to the wholesale dealers and the retailers to know more about the price rise.“There has been a sharp increase in the prices of tomatoes, onions, green chillies and other vegetables due to adverse weather conditions and reduced supply,” said president of the Muhana Aalo Adhatiya Sangh, Shiv Shankar Sharma.Sharma added that the prices of tomatoes, cauliflower, onions, cabbage and capsicum have witnessed a steep rise and are likely to remain elevated until mid-July.“Once the monsoon settles across the state and fresh produce from local farms starts arriving in larger quantities, prices are expected to ease,” said Abdul Salim, a wholesale vegetable trader at Muhana Mandi.According to traders, tomatoes have recorded one of the sharpest increases. “Tomatoes were selling at Rs 20-25 per kg in retail markets about a week ago. They are now being sold at Rs 40-60 per kg,” Salim said.Based on wholesale rates at Muhana Mandi, current retail prices are: hybrid tomatoes Rs 40-60 per kg, desi tomatoes Rs 70-80 per kg, peas Rs 100-120 per kg, green chillies Rs 26-40 per kg, cauliflower Rs 70-80 per kg and capsicum Rs 70-90 per kg.Onions are retailing at Rs 30-50 per kg, while garlic is being sold between Rs 100 and Rs 320 per kg depending on quality.Wholesale traders said increased moisture and humidity associated with pre-monsoon conditions have affected both supplies and storage, particularly of onions.“Prices may rise further after the monsoon sets in. However, once the season stabilises and supplies improve, rates are likely to decline,” said Mahesh Harchandani, a vegetable retailer in Lal Kothi.
