Continuous rainfall and the recent floods have sent vegetable prices soaring across Odisha, leaving consumers struggling with rising household expenses. Waterlogging in vegetable fields has damaged crops on a large scale, disrupting supply and pushing up retail prices in markets across the state.

The impact has been particularly severe during the holy month of Shravan, when many households consume more vegetables as part of their dietary practices. Consumers say even spending ₹500 is no longer enough to fill a shopping bag, as soaring prices continue to strain family budgets.

Consumers Hit Hard in Cuttack’s Chhatra Bazaar

The sharp rise in prices is clearly visible at Cuttack’s Chhatra Bazaar, one of Odisha’s largest wholesale and retail vegetable markets. Vegetables that were available at reasonable rates just a few weeks ago are now being sold at significantly higher prices.

Traders said the market usually receives a large quantity of vegetables from nearby agricultural belts such as Athagarh and Banki. However, floodwaters have submerged farms in these regions, causing extensive crop damage and drastically reducing local supplies. As a result, traders have become increasingly dependent on vegetables sourced from other states. They also warned that prices could rise further if heavy rainfall continues in the coming days.

Prices Double in Bhubaneswar Markets

A similar situation has emerged in Bhubaneswar, where the prices of several vegetables have doubled within a short period. According to local traders, flood damage has severely affected vegetable cultivation, reducing production and creating a supply shortage.

To meet consumer demand, traders are importing vegetables from Andhra Pradesh and other neighbouring states. The additional transportation, loading and unloading costs, coupled with limited availability, have further pushed up retail prices.

Vegetable Prices at Bhubaneswar Unit-I Market (Per kg)

• Beans – ₹70
• Pointed Gourd (Parwal) – ₹60
• Cucumber – ₹60
• Pumpkin – ₹25
• Carrot – ₹40
• Beetroot – ₹40
• Tomato – ₹30
• Cabbage – ₹40
• Papaya – ₹25
• Brinjal – ₹60
• Okra – ₹50
• Bitter Gourd – ₹80

Vegetable Prices at Cuttack Chhatra Bazaar (Per kg)

• Beans – ₹100
• Okra – ₹50
• Bitter Gourd – ₹60
• Brinjal – ₹50
• Tomato – ₹25
• Pointed Gourd (Parwal) – ₹80
• Ridge Gourd – ₹50
• Cucumber – ₹50

Traders said vegetable prices are likely to remain high until fresh local produce reaches the markets. Consumers, meanwhile, are hoping for an improvement in weather conditions and crop recovery to bring relief from the rising cost of essential food items.