DEC official says:

Vegetable prices will stabilise in January

The wholesale prices of a number of vegetables in the market have increased to over Rs. 200 a kilogram, due to the adverse weather across the country, a Dambulla Economic Centre (DEC) official told Sunday Observer Business.

The wholesale price of a kilogram of beans, tomatoes, carrots, leeks, bananas and pepper have increased to over Rs. 200 per kilogram at the Dambulla Economic Centre. In addition, the prices of low country vegetables such as bittergourd, brinjals (eggplant) and snakegourd have increased between Rs. 100–150 a kilogram.

When the wholesale prices reach such a level, the prices in the retail market increase by a further Rs. 100.

Farmers said that the reason for the sharp increase in vegetable prices is the inclement weather over the past several weeks.This trend will continue until December and January next year with farmers currently busy tilling their lands for planting and as a result there will be a slump in the flow of vegetables to the trade centre.

The prices will stabilise only after December with the end of the wet weather, he said.

Secretary, Manning Market Welfare Society, Gamini Handunge said that vegetable prices at the Manning Market have not increased as yet. Most of the low-priced vegetables are from up-country.

There is a floating rate for all vegetables in the Manning Market at present. The prices of up-country vegetables such as carrots are sold at Rs.150 a kilo, green chillies - Rs. 320, beans - Rs 170, tomatoes - Rs.100, cabbage - Rs.100 and leeks Rs.100.

The prices of pumpkin, kekiri, cucumber and snakegourd, however, remain low, with these vegetables now commonly seen in lunch packets.

At the Manning Market, pumpkin and kekiri was sold at Rs. 70-75 a kilo and cucumber at Rs. 40-60. Snakegourd at Rs. 80-90. Ridged gourd (vetakolu), brinjols at Rs. 90-100 a kilo. Lime prices have increased. It is Rs. 600 a kilo and local onions and potatoes are sold at Rs. 150 a kilo, he said.

Vegetable prices are expected to rise sharply during the forthcoming festive season and stabilise thereafter.

- RJ