Relentless rainfall and flood-like conditions across Odisha have triggered a sharp rise in vegetable prices, leaving consumers struggling with soaring food costs while farmers stare at heavy crop losses.

Vegetable prices have increased by ₹15 to ₹20 per kg over the past few days, with green vegetables witnessing the steepest hike. In major markets of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, brinjal is selling at ₹80–100 per kg, lady’s finger (okra) at ₹80, pointed gourd at ₹80–100, bitter gourd at ₹80, ridge gourd at ₹80, sponge gourd at ₹60, beans at ₹140, cauliflower at ₹60–80, cabbage at ₹40–50, papaya at ₹40, and tomatoes at around ₹30 per kg.

Traders attribute the price surge to continuous rainfall and flooding in several districts, which have severely damaged local vegetable crops and disrupted supply chains. With fresh arrivals from farming areas declining, retail prices have risen sharply, adding to the burden on household budgets.

The impact has been particularly severe in low-lying areas of Banki in Cuttack district, where floodwaters from the Mahanadi River have begun entering agricultural fields. According to the Water Resources Department, the river is experiencing a moderate flood, threatening hundreds of hectares of vegetable cultivation.

Farmers, fearing prolonged inundation, have started harvesting immature crops such as okra, cucumber, ridge gourd and pointed gourd before floodwaters completely submerge their fields. They say that if water remains stagnant for three to four days, standing crops are likely to rot, resulting in total losses.

In Kainmundi village under Pathapur Panchayat, many farmers have decided to sell partially grown vegetables at lower prices rather than risk losing their entire harvest. Several cultivators, who had taken loans to grow vegetables, now fear severe financial distress and are urging the state government to provide immediate compensation and relief.

With floodwaters continuing to spread across agricultural areas, both consumers and farmers are bearing the brunt of the monsoon, as rising prices and crop destruction threaten Odisha’s vegetable supply in the coming weeks.

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