Indian government lowers veg prices by 30%
“The scheme is being launched at 500 outlets run by the two agencies,” Agriculture Minister K P Mohanan said after a meeting convened by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
Cluster beans (Amarakka), bitter gourd, string beans, snake gourd, red chilli, cucumber, tomato, onion, shallots (cheriya ulli) and potato will be sold at prices 30 per cent lower than in the open market. The government has set apart Rs 5 crore for the discount scheme, he said. The market situation will be reviewed on December 15 and necessary measures will be taken, he explained.
The sudden rise in vegetable prices was triggered by the heavy rainfall, which hit domestic production. Heavy rains in Palakkad, Wayanad and Idukki hit the cultivation of tomato, string beans and bitter gourd. Tomato prices have shot up five-fold. On Thursday, cluster beans cost Rs 44 a kilo, onion Rs 47, shallots Rs 67, potato Rs 34, snake gourd Rs 45, cucumber Rs 55, string beans Rs 65 and red chilli Rs 110 in the market.
In conclusion, cluster beans (Amarakka), bitter gourd, string beans, snake gourd, red chilli, cucumber, tomato, onion, shallots (cheriya ulli) and potato will be sold at prices 30 per cent lower than in the open market.
Source: newindianexpress.com