Traders said higher production and improved supplies dragged down the prices. Last year´s long spell of drought had inflicted production of winter vegetables, leading to a fall in supplies and rise in prices. [break]
According to Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Board, a state-formed committee that monitors the prices of fruits and vegetables in Kalimati wholesale market, prices of big tomatoes and small tomatoes dropped to Rs 18 and Rs 10 per kg on Wednesday, from Rs 30 and Rs 50 per kg, respectively, during the same month last year.
A month ago, big tomatoes and small tomatoes were selling for Rs 24 and Rs 19 per kg, respectively. Ramesh Maharjan, an official at the board, said the volume of vegetables coming from outside the valley has declined as farmers within the capital and surrounding districts are supplying significant quantities of major vegetables to the capital.
Similarly, carrot, cabbage and white potatoes have become cheaper to Rs 11, Rs 18 and Rs 5 per kg from Rs 12, Rs 20 and Rs 22 per kg, respectively, last year. Local cauliflower, Tarai cauliflower and French beans are also selling for lower prices of Rs 15, Rs 12 and Rs 28 per kg, down from Rs 34, Rs 20 and Rs 40 per kg, respectively, a year ago.
Prices of mushroom and cucumber also declined by Rs 80 and Rs 8 per kg to Rs 220 and Rs 28 per kg, respectively. Popular fruits such as apple, grape and orange have also become cheaper as compared with last year.
The board´s data show that the prices of apple, grape and orange plunged to Rs 65 and Rs 70 and Rs 50 from Rs 85, Rs 80 and Rs 60 per kg, respectively. However, price of red potatoes and dry onion went up marginally from Rs 14 and Rs 31 to Rs 15 and Rs 34 per kg, respectively. Likewise, price of banana went up to Rs 38 from Rs 35 a dozen pieces last year.
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