Residents of Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, are currently facing the brunt of soaring prices of essential vegetables. Items such as tomatoes, carrots, lemons, cabbages, and green chillies have witnessed a sharp increase in their prices, causing concerns among the local population. The rising prices can be attributed to various factors, including adverse weather conditions, floods, and the need to import vegetables from neighboring states to meet the demand.
The heavy rainfall and floods in Assam have severely affected the local vegetable produce in Guwahati. The excessive rainwater has damaged crops, leading to a scarcity of vegetables in the region. As a result, alternative sources have been explored to bridge the gap between supply and demand. Vegetables are now being procured from other states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, to cater to the needs of Guwahati residents.
To combat the shortage of essential vegetables, Guwahati has started importing certain varieties from neighboring states. Carrots, squash, cabbage, tomatoes, peas, and beetroot are among the vegetables being brought in from states like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These imports aim to ensure an adequate supply of vegetables in Guwahati and stabilize the prices.
The Pamohi Wholesale Market, administered by the Kamrup Metropolitan District Administration, holds the distinction of being the only authorized market of the Assam State Agriculture and Marketing Board (ASAMB). It serves as a central hub for vegetable trade, setting the rates for wholesale transactions. Other markets in Guwahati are required to follow the price guidelines established by the Pamohi market.
The recent weeks have witnessed a significant surge in vegetable prices across Guwahati. Tomatoes, for instance, have experienced a drastic price hike, going from ₹15 per kilogram before June 15 to ₹70 per kilogram after that date. Presently, the prices have skyrocketed to an alarming ₹80-90 per kilogram. Similarly, the wholesale rates of carrots have doubled, rising from ₹40-50 per kilogram to ₹80-120 per kilogram.
Lemons have also witnessed a substantial increase in prices, going from ₹100-150 for a pack of 500 pieces to ₹100-200 for a pack of just 80 pieces. Cabbages, green chillies, and other vegetables have faced price surges as well. Cabbages, which were previously priced at ₹20-30 per kilogram, now range from ₹28-50 per kilogram. Green chillies, on the other hand, have shot up from ₹60 per kilogram to ₹160-250 per kilogram.
The rising prices of tomatoes have drawn significant attention, with retail prices reaching an alarming ₹130-150 per kilogram. The local produce from nearby areas such as Kharupetia, Barpeta, Morigaon, Nagaon, and Boko has not been sufficient to meet the consumer demand, leading to the sharp increase in prices.
The vegetable industry in Guwahati operates in the unorganized sector, which poses challenges in controlling prices. With no central authority governing the pricing mechanism, the market forces largely dictate the rates. The lack of regulation contributes to the volatility in vegetable prices, making it difficult to stabilize them during periods of high demand or unfavorable weather conditions.
The residents of Guwahati are currently facing the repercussions of escalating vegetable prices, driven by factors such as adverse weather conditions, floods, and the reliance on imports from neighboring states. The prices of essential vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, lemons, cabbages, and green chillies have witnessed a sharp surge, impacting the daily lives and budgets of the local population. While steps are being taken to supplement the vegetable supply, the unorganized nature of the industry presents challenges in controlling prices. It is crucial for stakeholders to work together to find sustainable solutions that ensure an adequate and affordable supply of essential vegetables for the people of Guwahati.