Tomatoes, coriander, lady finger and cucumber farms in Dudu, Bassi, Chaksu and Chomu have been hit hard.
“As the crops in Dudu, Bassi, Chaksu, Chomu, Tonk were damaged due to the ground frost and abrupt weather conditions, prices of tomatoes increased in the wholesale market. Hence, it is available in the retail market for Rs 35-45 per kg,” said Abdul Sagir, a wholesale trader at the Muhana Mandi.
Till mid-December the prices of tomatoes were Rs 60-80 per kg. But after the arrival of the local harvest the prices dipped and tomatoes were available for Rs 25-30 per kg.
Due to the ground frost and abrupt weather conditions the prices of other vegetables including coriander, green chilli, brinjal and cauliflower have also gone up.
Navratan Sharma, a farmer of Kacholiya said, “From December 20-26 due to ground frost and rainfall, vegetable crops were damaged in the state. However, we are expecting good vegetables in the second lot of the winter season. Hopefully the prices will drop. On Sunday prices of a few vegetables were less at the Bassi Mandi.”
Yet, traders at the Muhana Mandi on Sunday stated that from Tuesday onwards there will be a dip in the prices of daily vegetables.
“It was a temporary phase as the prices will start dipping from Tuesday onwards as from Monday the vegetable supply will increase at the Muhana Mandi. The customers will benefit with the drop in prices,” said Shiv Shankar Sharma, a wholesale trader at the Muhana Mandi.
Usually, in January and February, good vegetable produce comes from the local farms. “Despite a disappointing start, it appears that in the next couple of days, prices will be favourable. The prices of every vegetable will reduce as Muhana Mandi on Sunday too witnessed a good number of trucks and vehicles carrying vegetables,” said Anil Mawandia.
