Vegetable prices in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley have escalated during the past two weeks, impacted by disruptions in supply pathways and monsoon-induced decay. Regularly occurring heavy rains have obstructed significant highways, such as Tribhuvan, Prithvi, and BP, causing delays in the transport of fresh produce from adjacent areas, with some items being sourced from India.

Data from the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board indicates a considerable rise in wholesale prices for nearly all vegetables, with certain products almost doubling. The affected vegetables include tomatoes, potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, radish, eggplant, gourd varieties, pumpkin, squash, okra, mushrooms, and chilies.

“The supply shortage is mainly due to transportation delays and accelerated spoilage from the heat and rain,” stated Binay Shrestha, information officer at the Kalimati Market Board. He mentioned, “Prices are expected to remain high until the end of the festive season in October.”

Tomatoes (tunnel variety) saw wholesale prices elevate by 8.67% to $0.32 per kg, with retail prices reaching $0.68–$0.76 per kg. Potato varieties increased: red by 5.45% to $0.32/kg, Indian by 11.76% to $0.29/kg, and Mude by 2.70% to $0.29/kg, as retail prices span from $0.49 to $0.53/kg.

Wholesale onion prices rose 16.50% to $0.36/kg, with retail prices between $0.49–$0.53/kg. Eggplant wholesale prices climbed 46.07% to $0.20/kg, reaching $0.57–$0.60/kg in retail.

Bitter gourd rose 18.26% to $0.26/kg wholesale, retailing at $0.53–$0.60/kg. Bottle gourd soared by 82.35% to $0.24/kg, reaching $0.53–$0.60/kg in retail. Smooth gourd prices increased 46.88% to $0.36/kg wholesale.

Stakeholders caution that consistent rain and transport challenges may result in ongoing volatility in vegetable prices over the forthcoming weeks.

Source: Asia News Network