Green Chillies Vanish from Vizag's Rythu Bazaars, Onion Shortage
The Market Intervention Fund, aimed at stabilising vegetable prices, remains inaccessible to local authorities, except during price spikes in tomatoes. Rythu bazaar officials say this limitation has led to current shortage with regard to green chillies and onions in Visakhapatnam.
Visakhapatnam: For two consecutive days, green chillies have not been available at the 14 rythu bazaars in Visakhapatnam, including MVP Colony, Gopalapatnam, Seethammadhara, Three Town and Madhurawada. The sudden disappearance of the kitchen staple has disrupted daily cooking.
With onion stocks also running short, there are concerns over supply chain management.
When Deccan Chronicle brought the issue to the attention of Visakhapatnam joint collector K. Mayur Ashok, he said green chilli shortage is due to a short harvesting season combined with limited local supply. He disclosed that onion scarcity is due to transportation delays caused by rainfall and logistical challenges.
Green chillies are primarily sourced from Guntur and Rayalaseema regions, particularly Pulivendula. Farmers there are selling their crop in open markets for higher prices. For example, the price of green chillies at the rythu bazaar on Wednesday had been Rs 68 per kilo. It sold for over Rs 100 in commercial markets. So, vendors prefer selling their chillies in the outside market
Onion prices are posing another challenge. The price of onions is Rs 20 per kilo in Visakhapatnam’s rythu bazaars. The estate manager of a rythu bazaar, who chose to remain anonymous, said farmers prefer to sell their produce in Vijayawada rythu bazaars, where onions are fetching Rs 28 per kilo.
The Market Intervention Fund, aimed at stabilising vegetable prices, remains inaccessible to local authorities, except during price spikes in tomatoes. Rythu bazaar officials say this limitation has led to current shortage with regard to green chillies and onions in Visakhapatnam.
Consumers like K. Lakshmi, who lives near Seethammadhara, said, “We rely on Rythu bazaar. There are no green chillies or onions. How are we supposed to cook,” she asked, voicing the concerns of many individuals.
Rythu bazaars are known for their affordability and accessibility. But presently, there is uncertainty throughout the city. Rythu bazaar estate managers say top officials must intervene and restore supply, while ensuring price stability. Otherwise, other vegetables too may not be available at the rythu bazaars.
