Vegetable prices remain stable as Onam shoppers heave a sigh of relief

Vegetable prices, which usually go up as Onam nears, have remained stable in Kozhikode over the past week, much to the relief of Onam shoppers. “So far, prices have remained stable for most vegetables except tomatoes and beans,” said Pradeep, a vendor at Karaparamba.

Experts, however, feel that the situation may change just two days before Thiruvonam. “This year’s heavy rain badly affected vegetable production in the State. Prices usually climb as demand peaks, which will be a welcome sign for farmers,” said Narayanan Kalpakassery, president of the Farmers’ Apex Council at the Vengeri market in Kozhikode.

For homemaker Shibina Manoj from Koyilandy, the steep rise in the prices of coconut oil is a cause of worry as Onam approaches. “One litre of coconut oil costs nearly ₹500. I am sure the price of banana chips will also go up since they are usually prepared in coconut oil,” she said. Coconut oil prices have been on the rise since earlier this month. The State government has, however, managed to keep rates in check to some extent by supplying coconut oil at subsidised prices through Supplyco (Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation) outlets.

 Torrential rain has destroyed banana crops across many districts, pushing the State to depend on supplies from Thoothukudi for banana leaves.

“Two weeks ago, a bundle of 100 leaves cost ₹1,000. Now, it is anywhere between ₹3,000 and ₹4,000,” said Shamseer K.T., a trader at Kozhikode’s Palayam market.