Cheer for consumers as vegetable prices fall in Visakhapatnam

One kg of tomatoes is being sold at ₹14 per kg at the rythu bazaars in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit: V RAJU

The prices of most of the vegetables have drastically come down in Visakhapatnam. Compared to December 2024, the prices of several vegetables have declined by around 30 % to 40 %. Good harvest season and adequate availability from the local farmers are the reason for this, say officials.

As on February 7, one kg of tomatoes is being sold at ₹14 per kg, while one kg of potatoes is at about ₹16. A kg of brinjal is being sold for ₹16. Onions are being sold for about ₹32 per kg, while it was around ₹26 some days ago. Cauliflowers and cabbages were seen available in huge quantities. They are being sold for ₹12 each per kg. A bottle gourd is being sold at ₹12. However, some vegetables like ridge gourd at ₹50 per kg, ladies’ fingers at ₹42 and bitter gourd at ₹42 were available in lesser quantities.

After October, the prices of tomatoes and most of the vegetables have seen a steep rise. One kg of tomatoes was sold at around ₹70 per kg in rythu bazaars, while it was sold at ₹100 in private markets. The authorities had opened special counters for the sale of tomatoes. The prices continued to be high during ‘Karthika Masam’ and ‘Dhanurmasam’ seasons. People are very happy as the prices of various vegetables dropped significantly.

As per the authorities from rythu bazaars, consumers have been buying tomatoes in huge quantities, at least 2 to 3 kg, compared to other vegetables due to good availability.

“Tomatoes are basically used in most of the delicacies. In general when the prices are low, people buy in more quantities to make chutneys,” said K Sitamma, a vendor at Seethammadhara Rythu Bazaar.

Estate Officer of MVP Rythu Bazaar G. Prasad said that most of the locally grown vegetables are brought to the rythu bazaars. Cauliflower, flat beans, brinjal, cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes and several other vegetables were being brought from Anandapuram, Sabbavaram, Chodavaram, K.Kotapadu, Parawada in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts.

“Generally, scarcity of tomatoesis seen during some seasons. But now, 90% of tomatoes are being brought from Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam districts, while only 10% is brought from Madanapalle,” he said.