Navi Mumbai [India], September 8: Vegetable prices at the Vashi Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) wholesale market have witnessed a mixed trend over the past few weeks. While increased arrivals have brought down the prices of several vegetables, lemons, tomatoes and coriander have become significantly more expensive due to a decline in supply.
The price movement has been linked largely to heavy rainfall in major vegetable-growing belts, including Nashik and Junnar, which has affected the arrival of some produce at the Vashi market.
Lemon Prices Rise 120 Per Cent in 15 Days
Among the vegetables and produce witnessing a sharp increase, lemons have seen the biggest jump.
According to market data, the wholesale price of lemons was around ₹25 per kg on August 20. It increased to ₹38 per kg on September 1 and reached ₹55 per kg by September 7.
This means lemon prices have climbed by around 120 per cent in just 15 days, putting additional pressure on consumers and food businesses that regularly use lemons.
The reduction in arrivals from producing regions, coupled with steady demand, has contributed to the price increase.
Tomato Prices Also Move Up
Tomatoes have also become costlier at the Vashi wholesale market.
The wholesale price increased from approximately ₹14 per kg to ₹22.50 per kg, representing a rise of around 60.7 per cent.
Rainfall in areas such as Nashik and Junnar has affected the supply chain, resulting in lower arrivals at the market. With demand continuing, the reduced supply has pushed wholesale prices higher.
The latest increase comes after tomato prices had remained relatively moderate earlier in the monsoon season, when supplies of both local and Bengaluru varieties were reported to be good.
Coriander Prices Jump 83 Per Cent
Coriander has also witnessed a sharp price rise.
The wholesale price of coriander coming from the Nashik region has increased from around ₹6 per kg to ₹11 per kg, marking an increase of approximately 83.3 per cent.
Rainy weather can cause coriander to deteriorate quickly, affecting both its availability and quality. This seasonal factor has contributed to the sudden rise in prices.
Several Vegetables Become Cheaper
While some products have become expensive, consumers have received relief from lower prices of several other vegetables.
Increased arrivals of fresh produce have pushed down the wholesale prices of vegetables such as:
- Brinjal: ₹32 to ₹17 per kg
- Bottle gourd: ₹21 to ₹13 per kg
- Okra: ₹35 to ₹22 per kg
- French beans: ₹45 to ₹30 per kg
- Cluster beans: ₹60 to ₹50 per kg
Carrot prices, however, moved in the opposite direction, rising from around ₹20 to ₹24 per kg.
The overall picture at the Vashi market therefore remains mixed, with prices depending heavily on the availability and quality of individual vegetables.
Rainfall Affects Vegetable Supply
The major reason behind the contrasting price movements is the change in arrivals at the wholesale market.
Maharashtra has received good rainfall in several regions, which has helped increase the overall production and arrival of many vegetables. As supply has increased, prices of several varieties have declined.
However, the same weather conditions have disrupted supplies from some important growing regions. Vegetables and produce that are arriving in smaller quantities are therefore becoming more expensive.
The situation is particularly visible in the case of lemons, tomatoes and coriander, where demand has remained steady while arrivals have fallen.
Retail Prices May Remain Higher
Although wholesale prices have declined for several vegetables, consumers may not see the entire benefit in retail markets.
Transportation, handling, labour and other expenses add to the final price paid by customers. Retail vegetable prices can therefore remain around ₹10 to ₹20 per kg higher than wholesale rates, depending on the vegetable and market conditions.
This means that even though some vegetables have become cheaper at Vashi APMC, consumers may continue to notice relatively high prices at neighbourhood vegetable stalls.
More Vegetable Arrivals Expected
Market observers expect arrivals to remain strong in the coming period as production improves across Maharashtra.
According to market information cited by Loksatta, vegetable supplies could increase further in the coming months, with produce from Gujarat and other regions, along with local supplies, expected to add to market arrivals after Diwali.
At the same time, traders have claimed that the direct marketing system has affected arrivals at APMC markets. Some produce from nearby villages is reportedly being sent directly to markets in areas such as Virar, Borivali and Dadar, reducing the quantity reaching the Vashi APMC market.
What This Means for Navi Mumbai Consumers
For consumers in Navi Mumbai, the current vegetable market offers a mixed picture.
Several everyday vegetables have become more affordable because of increased supply, but the sharp rise in lemon, tomato and coriander prices could still affect household budgets, restaurants and food vendors.
If vegetable arrivals continue to improve, prices of several varieties could remain under control. However, the prices of produce affected by rainfall and supply disruptions may continue to fluctuate in the short term.
For now, lemon, tomato and coriander remain the major pressure points in the Vashi APMC vegetable market, while increased arrivals are providing some relief on other vegetables.
