Dear Editor,
Vegetables are an important part of any family’s shopping list especially for middle class families in our State and the rising prices of these are making the lives of the families tough. Few months back government assured that they have sufficient supplies, no need to panic and also assured for taking measures to improve supply and to control the rising prices. Central Government also assured that they are giving right to state governments to take stern action against hoarding and black marketing, this move thus was to empower state governments to undertake de-hoarding operations and to control the rising prices of vegetables of daily use. Prime Minister had also promised to bring the rising prices of essential commodities under control in his election speeches but all seems nowhere on ground as prices of daily use commodities are continuously on rising graph. Nowadays the rates of vegetables are sky rocketing for eg: cauliflower at the rate of Rs. 80 per kg. peas green at the rate of Rs. 60 per kg, tomato at the rate of Rs. 55-60 per kg. and there is steep rise in rates of potato because of coming festival season.
It is worthwhile to mention here that no sooner any festival approaches before that rates of essentials, vegetables, fruits go on increasing. It seems that the traders always remain in wait of some festivals to hike the rates of these. Also nowadays it is very funny to observe in Sabzi Mandis and with vendors of vegetables and fruits when you ask them the rates of a particular vegetable the reply is at the rate of per grams instead of per kg. Just imagine the rate of cauliflower at the rate of per 250 grams or per paw. Even small mint plants to be used to make Chatni comprising 3-4 small stems with few leaves are sold in 20 grams or 50 grams. Certainly it seems in near future if the prices rise at this speed then you can get the answer of rates of vegetables and fruits in Tolas.
Most customers are now avoiding buying vegetables, fruits because of high prices even good quality vegetables and fruits are not being sold. Nobody buys them in bulk anymore. At the most they buy half a kg or 250 grams now. Vegetable prices have been on rise since last some months. Some said prices may dip in coming days but nothing happened on ground. The upward trend in vegetable rates has hit all varieties upsetting the middle class family budget. Now one could only dream of enjoying a salad of cucumber along with tomato, onion during these days as it is becoming a thing of the past for the consumers. It is certainly a cause of concern.
What is astonishing is that there is no proper checking of rate in Sabzi Mandis and with vendors by the concerned departments and also on the weights and the weighing machines they use to weigh the commodities. There are drastic variations in rates of vegetables, fruits from shop to shop and vendor to vendor. Forget about rate list. Often there is scuffle with customers about rates and the rude behaviour of vegetable sellers is astonishing as if they are doing you a great favour.
Kaushal Kotwal
SDAO Retd.
Jammu