Veggies prices stay high in Pakistan

Vegetables prices have remained high due to short supplies, as tomato imports have reduced sharply.

According to the Pakistan Customs officials, the number of trucks crossing over from India has reduced significantly to just 5-10 from the normal routine of 150 truckloads due to non-tariff barriers, Customs checking, Rangers inspection and close investigation of phytosanitary quarantine department.

Market sources said that now Pakistan has put non-tariff barriers in place for Indian exporters, as it is vigorously involving phytosanitary quarantine department to check the quality of food items coming from India.

Now after restricted import of vegetables shortage of several items were recorded even in weekly Sunday bazars of the city where wrong price fixation issue also compelled the vendors to not sell various vegetables there.

Most of the vegetables rates were stable while some items registered raise despite abundant supply. Cauliflower was up to Rs70 per kg from earlier rate of Rs40 per kg, while peas went up to Rs200 per kg from last rate of Rs120 per kg.

This week in the Sunday bazaars, potato prices were fixed at Rs45 per kg and A-grade potatoes were sold at Rs55 per kg. While onion rates raised by Rs14 per kg, tomato prices were increased by Rs7 per kg. Carrot price went up to Rs67 per kg and turnip rates were fixed at Rs44 per kg and sold at Rs65 per kg. Ginger (Thailand) rate was increased by Rs10 per kg and fixed at Rs250 and ginger (India) at Rs 275 per kg.

Source: nation.com.pk