NT Reporter | Panaji
Prices of several vegetables have risen sharply this winter following unseasonal rain and sudden weather changes in the states from where Goa imports its produce. Crop damage in Karnataka has led to a surge in the cost of commonly used vegetables.
Tomatoes, a key kitchen staple, have gone up from Rs 30 to Rs 50 per kg. Cauliflower has increased from Rs 30 to Rs 40 per piece, coriander from Rs 20 to Rs 30 per bunch, and carrots from Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg. However, prices of onions, potatoes, and chillies have remained stable.
This season has also seen a surge in demand for ‘amla’ (Indian gooseberry), selling at Rs 180 per kg, while lemons have become
much cheaper.
“You can now get 20 lemons for Rs 50,” said Hyder Ali, a vegetable vendor from Panaji Market.
“We mainly import vegetables from Karnataka. Due to the unseasonal rain, many crops have been destroyed, and that has caused the prices to increase. If the supply remains low, the rates could go up further, even reaching Rs 60 to Rs 70 in the coming days, depending on availability,” he said.
Local Ashvita Fadte said, “Every week, the rates keep changing. Vegetables like tomatoes and carrots are becoming too costly.”