India's weekly vegetable spending up in the past few weeks, says survey
vegetable spending has increased by 25-100% in the last few weeks due to higher prices.
Within the last week alone, per kilogram price paid for tomatoes by 2 in 3 consumers has risen from Rs 30 or more to Rs 50 or more. In some states, it has crossed Rs 100/kg. If the monsoon does not deliver better than normal rains during July, when most of the sowing is done in rain-fed areas, or if it rains too much where vegetables are grown, the situation is likely to worsen as far as vegetable supplies and prices are concerned.
Local authorities may need to step in to prevent profiteering and the Department of Consumer Affairs may need to intervene via NCCF in making these vegetables available at subsidized prices in districts that are currently experiencing abnormally higher prices, the survey added.
A lingering heatwave in several parts of India has drastically reduced the supply of vegetables. Efforts to curb food exports and lower import tariffs have had limited impact. While vegetable supplies typically dip during summer, this year's reduction is more due to the heatwave with temperatures 4-9 degrees Celsius above normal in most parts of the country.
Despite an early start, the monsoon's momentum has slowed, resulting in an 18% rainfall deficit so far this season. The delay and inadequate rainfall so far in some parts of the country has delayed planting of summer crops, which require adequate rainfall for optimal growth.
While presenting the bi-monthly monetary policy on June 7, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor
