Vegetable prices rise following rains across Sindh

Vegetable prices in Hyderabad have soared due to recent heavy rains in the province which adversely impacted the ready crops.

Green coriander, once given away with other vegetables for free, now costs a staggering Rs1,200 per kilogram. Similarly, ginger has reached a historic high of Rs720 per kilogram.

Rates of other commonly used vegetables including potatoes, onion, and tomatoes have also gone up. At Tower Market, potatoes are now sold at Rs90 to Rs100 per kilogram, red potatoes at Rs120, and onion at Rs160.

Meanwhile, the price of locally-grown garlic has increased from Rs400 to Rs650 per kilogram. Green chilies are being sold at Rs160 per kilogram, and mint budle, which was previously sold for Rs50, is now being sold at Rs100.

The price of green coriander has surged to Rs1,200 per kilogram from Rs1,000. Green onions are now sold at Rs600 per kilogram, eggplants Rs240, bottle gourd Rs400, okra Rs500, round gourd Rs400, and bell peppers Rs300.

Prices are further higher in Latifabad and Qasimabad compared to Tower Market, with some vegetables costing an additional ten to twenty rupees. Vendors attribute these increases to the severe heat, humidity, and recent rains, which have damaged crops and led to a shortage of vegetables. This has affected the affordability of consumers.

The sudden price increases have caused considerable distress among citizens, leading to heated exchanges between vendors and customers. Vendors claim that high market prices and transportation costs, combined with a modest profit margin, are driving the retail prices up.