Rising vegetable prices during the festive season have put additional pressure on household budgets across Odisha, leaving middle-class families worried about their daily expenses. With several vegetables selling at ₹60 to ₹100 per kilogram, consumers say even ₹500 is no longer enough to fill a shopping bag.
The price surge has added to the financial burden on households already struggling with rising expenses on cooking gas, groceries and essential commodities. As the festive season continues and the holy month of Kartik approaches, consumers fear that vegetable prices could increase further.
Vegetable Prices Touch New Highs
Vegetable prices in local markets have risen sharply, making everyday cooking increasingly expensive for ordinary households.
According to the prevailing market rates reported by traders, beans are selling at ₹100 per kilogram, while brinjal and pointed gourd are priced at ₹80 per kilogram. Tomatoes are selling at ₹50 per kilogram, and ladies’ fingers (okra) have reached ₹70 per kilogram.
Other vegetables are also becoming increasingly expensive. Ridge gourd is priced at ₹70 per kilogram, cucumber and bitter gourd at ₹80 per kilogram each, and yardlong beans at ₹60 per kilogram. Indigenous potatoes are selling at ₹80 per kilogram.
Among other vegetables, cabbage is priced at ₹40 per kilogram, while a cauliflower costs around ₹50 apiece. Papaya is selling at ₹30 per kilogram, and pumpkin is available at ₹20 per kilogram.
The rising prices have forced many families to reconsider their regular purchases, with some vegetables becoming unaffordable for budget-conscious consumers.
Rain Damage and Festive Demand Push Up Prices
Traders attribute the price rise to reduced supplies caused by crop damage due to rainfall. According to them, adverse weather conditions have affected vegetable production, resulting in lower arrivals in local markets.
At the same time, demand for vegetables has increased during the festive season, further pushing up prices. The combination of limited supply and higher demand has contributed to the sharp increase in retail rates.
Consumers are particularly concerned about the approaching month of Kartik, when many households observe religious practices and follow specific dietary habits. They fear that increased demand during this period could lead to another round of price hikes.
Middle-Class Households Feel the Pressure
The rising cost of vegetables has disrupted monthly household budgets, particularly for middle-class families and low-income consumers. With cooking gas, groceries and other essential items already adding to their expenses, the latest increase in vegetable prices has made it more difficult for families to manage their daily needs.
For many consumers, spending ₹500 at the vegetable market no longer guarantees enough produce for several days. As a result, households are cutting down on quantities and adjusting their food choices to cope with the rising costs.
Consumers are now waiting for prices to come down and hoping that improved supplies will bring relief to household kitchens. Until then, the festive season is proving increasingly expensive for ordinary families across Odisha.