Prices of seasonal vegetables down, others up

KATHMANDU, Dec 4: Prices of seasonal vegetables have dropped, while others have become expensive in the market as Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Board (KFVMDB) recorded sharp fluctuations in the volume of vegetables it received in recent days due to the seasonal factor.



"Prices of seasonal vegetables that have started to find way into the market in large volume have gone down by as much as Rs 10 per kg, whereas prices of others shot up," said Bharat Khatiwada, president of Kalimati Vegetable Wholesalers´ Association.[break]



Pricing record issued by the association shows, cauliflower became cheaper in the wholesale market by Rs 4 and cost Rs 19 per kg on Tuesday. Price of cabbage too has gone down by Rs 6 to Rs 20 per kg, compared to a week ago.



Similarly, price of carrot, onion green and dry, cow pea, sword bean, bitter gourd, pumpkin, squash, lady´s finger and broccoli has gone down by Rs 1 to Rs 10 per kg in the wholesale market.



Presently, Kalimati wholesale market has started receiving substantial volume of seasonal vegetables from producer districts such as Chitwan, Dhading, Siraha and Saptari -- the prime reason behind decline in prices. "We anticipate the prices of these items to go down further in the days ahead," said Khatiwada.



However, the prices of French bean, pointed gourd, bottle gourd and red as well as white potato has increased in the wholesale market as their production season has come to an end.



According to the wholesale market, price of French bean and pointed gourd has increased by a whopping Rs 32 and Rs 36 per kg respectively over the past seven days. On Tuesday, they were traded at Rs 62 and Rs 75 per kg respectively.



Similarly, prices of red and white potatoes have gone up by by Rs 6 and Rs 5 per kg to Rs 38 and Rs 32 per kg respectively. The price of bottle gourd has also increased by Rs 4 per kg to Rs 22 per kg.



"The demand for these vegetables has gone up due to the wedding season. Their supply, on the other hand, has gone sparse," said Khatiwada.



Price of capsicum, however, has remained fairly stable at Rs 35-40 even though its demand has risen in the market due to the wedding season. Traders attributed the situation to increased import of capsicum from India to fulfill the demand. According to the wholesalers´ association, around 5 to 6 tons of capsicum is entering the Kalimati vegetable market from India every day.

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