Sunday Bazaars: Ban on import raises vegetable prices

Vendors say shortage of different vegetables in wholesale markets

LAHORE: The ban on vegetable imports from India and weak control of the district administration has led to an increase in prices of most seasonal vegetables at Sunday Bazaars.

After continuous Indian aggression on the border, Pakistan has imposed a ban on fresh vegetable imports from India through Wagah border, resulting in the shortage of different vegetables in wholesale markets.

A greengrocer, Muhammad Aslam, claimed all potato varieties and tomatoes were short in market, which translated into increasing trend in prices of most seasonal vegetables.

A vegetable importer, Khaleel Bhatti, believed import of tomato from India had been restricted for the benefit of local farmers, as the country had ample stock. However, prices of local commodities were higher when compared to imported produce,
he added.

Weekly price review of the City District Government Lahore (CDGL) showed out of 33 seasonal vegetables, prices of different varieties of potato, brinjal, cucumber, methi, mungray, cabbage, green chilli, capsicum, taro roots (arvi), ladyfinger, green peas, round gourds and turnips, swelled during the past seven days.

Consumers complained there was hardly any difference in vegetable prices in Sunday bazaars and regular markets.

A citizen, Rashid, at Shadman Sunday Bazaar alleged most greengrocers were selling substandard or unsorted vegetables at premium price.

Another citizen, Kamran, at the Sunday Bazaar in Wahdat Colony said there was little charm in visiting weekly makeshift markets other than the availability of almost all kitchen items under one roof.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2016.