In recent days, the Pune markets have been experiencing a significant surge in the prices of coriander and fenugreek, among other leafy vegetables. This spike in prices can be attributed to a decrease in supply coupled with a steady demand, resulting in challenges for both traders and consumers alike.
Decrease in Supply Leads to Price Hike
Traders at the market yard have reported a notable decrease in the arrival of leafy vegetables compared to the demand. On Sunday alone, the vegetable section of the market yard received 80,000 pairs of coriander and 30,000 pairs of fenugreek from Nashik and Latur areas. However, this quantity is insufficient to meet the growing demand, leading to a surge in prices.
Impact on Prices and Availability
The retail market reflects this imbalance, with a bunch of coriander now fetching anywhere between Rs. 50 to 60, and fenugreek priced at Rs. 30 to 40 per pair. The prices of other leafy vegetables, including onion, have also witnessed a significant increase of 30 to 40 percent. Despite the high prices, good quality leafy vegetables are in high demand and command even higher prices.
Quality Concerns and Cultivation Challenges
One of the underlying factors contributing to the price hike is the compromised quality of the leafy vegetables entering the market. Due to a lack of water, cultivation has been adversely affected, resulting in stained and substandard produce. This further exacerbates the supply-demand gap and adds to the challenges faced by traders and consumers.
Outlook for the Future
Rajendra Suryavanshi, a prominent leafy vegetable trader, predicts that the prices of leafy vegetables will continue to rise for at least a month. With the onset of the monsoon, it is expected that cultivation will improve gradually, but this process will take time. Until then, consumers may have to contend with higher prices and limited availability in the market.
Wholesale Market Trends
In the wholesale market, the prices of various leafy green vegetables such as radish, amaranth, chuka, chawlai, and spinach have also witnessed a surge. Prices range from Rs. 400 to 2000, reflecting the overall market dynamics and the challenges faced by traders in maintaining a steady supply of quality produce.
