Thrissur, Kerala: As Onam, the harvest festival, draws closer, vegetable prices are rising in Kerala, causing concern among consumers. While prices were relatively low last week, they have increased significantly this week. The prices of staples like yam and ginger, which have been high for months, remain unchanged. Yam is being sold at a retail price of 80-85 rupees per kilogram, while ginger costs over 150 rupees per kilogram. Other vegetables, including carrots and beans, also face high prices. Vendors attribute the price hike to a decrease in domestic production caused by heavy rains, leading to a reliance on imported vegetables for Onam. The district alone has witnessed crop losses worth crores due to heavy rains during the monsoon season and the intense rainfall at the end of July. The plantain market is also experiencing a surge in prices. Nendran plantains are selling for 60 to 70 rupees per kilogram, while ripe plantains cost 75 rupees. Chembakolli, a popular plantain variety during Onam, is priced at 80-90 rupees and is likely to see further price increases during the festival. This price hike is beneficial for small-scale farmers in the mountainous regions, with buyers visiting their farms to purchase produce. The high demand and cost of cultivation make Chembakolli a profitable choice for farmers.
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