Rising vegetable prices strain household budgets in city

The combination of insufficient rainfall in some regions and scorching heat has led to significant crop damage, resulting in a sharp increase in the prices of vegetables. This surge in cost is placing a growing economic burden on Bengaluru’s lower- and middle-income populations, who are now forced to reconsider basic vegetable purchases due to unaffordability.

Prices of essential vegetables such as beans, green peas, kohlrabi, cauliflower, lemons, capsicum, and coconuts have soared dramatically. Consumers are left pondering how to manage their household budgets under such inflationary pressures. Additionally, the price of bananas has suddenly spiked, currently retailing at ₹80 to ₹100 per kilogram.

The cloudy weather conditions and intermittent rains have adversely affected the harvest cycle of several vegetables, delaying their availability. As a result, the yield of produce such as green chilies, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, and cluster beans has declined. Likewise, leafy greens such as fenugreek, dill, amaranth, drumstick leaves, and spinach have also been damaged due to unseasonal rains, further contributing to the price surge.

However, amidst the general inflation, quality onions and tomatoes are still available at relatively affordable rates—₹100 for 5 kilograms.