Continuous heavy rainfall across parts of Maharashtra has led to a significant spike in vegetable prices, leaving Mumbaikars grappling with increased costs for their daily essentials. The unrelenting rains have disrupted supply chains, particularly affecting the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market, which is the citys primary source of fresh produce. As a result, prices for various vegetables have soared, with coriander leaves now retailing at Rs 100 per bunch a steep rise from the usual Rs 20, according to the sources.Skyrocketing Prices of Essential VegetablesThe impact of the rains is evident across several key vegetables. Ginger, for example, is being sold at Rs 90 per kilogram in the wholesale market and a staggering Rs 160 per kilogram in retail. Similarly, cluster beans (gavar), ivy gourd (tendli), and green peas have also seen significant price increases, now priced between Rs 60-80 per kilogram, Rs 70-80 per kilogram, and Rs 90-100 per kilogram respectively in the wholesale market.A local vegetable trader explained, The rates of coriander leaves have surged due to the heavy rains in Nashik and Pune, which are our primary sources. We used to receive around 700-750 trucks daily, but that number has now dropped to 500-550. This reduction in supply has directly impacted prices.Similarly, the national capital has also been witnessing a surge in vegetable rates. According to the official data, the rates of the vegetable have gone high in the wholesale market and eventually increased in the retail market as well.Supply Chain Disruptions Exacerbate the Situation in TelanganaIn Telangana, a similar scenario is unfolding, with heavy rains leading to sharp price hikes for essential vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, green chillies, and bitter gourd. In the bazaars, tomatoes have risen from Rs 15 to Rs 21 per kilogram, while green chillies have surged from Rs 28 to Rs 45 per kilogram. The situation is worse outside the bazaars, where prices are even higher.The price hikes are primarily attributed to supply chain disruptions caused by the heavy rains, which have led to transportation challenges and waterlogged fields, damaging crops. According to the sources, M Venkanna, Secretary of Pochampally Wholesale Market, noted that while price increases have been modest, transportation disruptions remain a significant challenge.Will this affect BJP and other parties in upcoming elections In the context of the upcoming assembly elections, these price hikes could have significant political repercussions. The electorate, particularly in urban areas like Mumbai, may express dissatisfaction with the governments handling of the situation by withholding their votes from the ruling party. High food prices can erode public support, as they are seen as a reflection of the governments effectiveness in managing the economy and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. Thus, the current situation poses a potential risk to the ruling BJPs performance in the elections, as voter sentiment could be swayed by the immediate economic hardships they face.
