After a long spell of slackness in supplies, vegetable markets in the Valley are witnessing a slight improvement in the arrivals of vegetables on the onset of main harvesting season. However, the supplies have not reached up to the level recorded during the same season in previous years.
The arrival of vegetables, fruits, fish and spices at the Kalimati wholesale market stands at around 600 tons a day on normal conditions and vegetables account for around 400 tons.
However, the improved supplies couldn´t bring cheers to customers as the prices of major vegetable items are still heading upwards.
According to the data compiled by Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Board (KFVMDB), arrivals of vegetables in Kalimati wholesale market rose to 357 tons a day this week as compared to 287 tons recorded a week earlier.
“Though the main vegetable harvesting season has already begun, there has only been a marginal improvement in supplies in recent days,” said Binaya Shrestha, planning officer at the board.
“Vegetable prices are still rising despite slight improvement in supplies.”
Traders said vegetable prices had not gone down as even the improved supplies cannot meet the ever increasing demand in the capital.
Wholesale price of red potatoes and small potatoes touched Rs 46 and Rs 40 per kg on Wednesday, up from Rs 36 and Rs 33 per kg respectively recorded two weeks ago. Similarly, small tomatoes and carrots are selling for Rs 40 and Rs 80 per kg from Rs 35 and Rs 45 per kg respectively recorded a fortnight ago. Price of local cauliflower also increased by Rs 15 per kg to Rs 40 per kg during the period.
However, price of big tomatoes and dry onion declined to Rs 34 and Rs 35 on Wednesday, down from Rs 58 and Rs 36 recorded two weeks ago.
Bharat Upreti, a wholesaler of potatoes and onions at the Kalimati market, said people will have to wait for a few more days to see fall in the price of potatoes and other vegetables.
“We are still dependent on supplies from India for potatoes and other major vegetables. Price will go down once local products displace imported vegetables,” Upreti added.
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