KOCHI: The declining price of vegetables has spread cheer among the city residents during the days preceding Easter. Contrary to the general trend of price escalation during festival days, the prices of all veggies have drastically fallen during the last couple of weeks.
Rate of drumstick, which was selling Rs 125 per kg has declined to Rs 20. Good harvest in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh is cited as the major reason for price fall.
"Over the last couple of weeks, vegetable price has come down by nearly 50 per cent. This is only a temporary trend, which will not last for more than one or two months, until the record seasonal harvest is over," said C.D. Saji, wholesale dealer in Ernakulam market.
There is record production in tomato farms and the vegetables are in plenty in the wholesale markets in neighbouring states. Though the procurement price of tomato is only Rs 3 per kg, it is being sold at Rs 15 in the Kerala markets.
The price fall has also affected the traders, indicate the market reports.
"Sharp decline in veggie prices has badly hit the business. Moderate pricing is always good for retailers as sales will drop when prices skyrocket while the margin will be the minimum when prices fall," said K Prakashan, a retailer.
However, the customers are relieved due to the price fall during the Lent and holy week when demand for vegetable is the maximum. "I could buy 10 varieties of vegetables for a moderate amount of Rs 190. The same quantity had cost me more than Rs 300 a few days ago," said a customer.
