The prices of vegetables are still at a high level and prices still high, the Kerala administration has taken the decision to bring in vegetable imports from other states in order to cater for the expected demand spike during the run-up to Onam. The Minister of Agriculture P. Prasad said discussions with the vegetable farmers in different states, such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, have been held in order to facilitate these purchases.

He added: “We had faced a similar problem a couple of years before. At that time we transported the vegetable via a tractor to handle the demands during the festive season. If the cost of certain veggies is still expensive, we’ll purchase them from organizations that produce vegetables to satisfy the demands prior to Onam. Discussions with them are almost completed.”

The cost of vegetable products that are mostly grown in different states are at the highest level ever due to the rainfall in zones of production. The price of tomatoes nearly reached Rs 150 on the market for retail, and the cost of ginger is now at $300/kg. The green chilli, available at a price of Rs 55/kg has been fluctuating between 80 and 85 rupees.

(Rs 100 = EUR1.10 [ Rs 100 = EUR1.10

Source: newindianexpress.com