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Soaring vegetable prices at Rythu Bazaars across Chittoor district have forced residents to turn to meat and fish for their daily meals. The locals have alleged that for the first time in a decade, vegetable prices in the district have reached unprecedented highs, forcing many households to reduce their consumption of greens. In Chittoor market, brinjal (eggplant) is selling at ₹120 per kg, while carrot and kandagadda (yam) between ₹100 and ₹120 per kg. Beans, cabbage, and bitter gourd are priced at ₹70 per kg, ginger ₹90 to ₹100 per kg, and green chillies at ₹80. Leafy vegetables, once considered a cheapest option, have doubled in price like coriander at ₹30 per bunch, palakura (spinach) and gongura at ₹35–40, and menthiakku (fenugreek leaves) at ₹20–25. “The prices have gone beyond our reach. Half a kilo of brinjal now costs ₹70, almost equal to half a kilo of chicken,” said Lakshmamma, a homemaker from Palamaner. Restaurant owners have reportedly cut down vegetable portions to manage rising costs. According to traders, the steep surge is attributed to a sharp decline in yields triggered by fog formation and persistent night dew, which has affected crop health across Kuppam and Palamaner mandals. Moreover, post cyclone Montha, vegetable cultivation has been affected drastically due to change in soil moisture. Farmers are also diverting supplies to Chennai and Telangana markets, where prices are higher. Meanwhile, onions and tomatoes remain stable at ₹30 per kg. Traders and vendors claimed that prices of most other vegetables might soar high through Ayyappa Mala Deeksha, Karthika, and Dhanur months, likely coming down only during mid-January once winter impact subsides and fresh harvesting commences.
