HEAVY rain and flooding in Durg district and other parts of Chhattisgarh have damaged vegetable crops and pushed up prices in Bhilai and Durg markets. Vegetable prices have increased by around 30 to 40 per cent, with several varieties becoming costlier by Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kg. Some vegetables have nearly doubled in price. Farmers suffered major losses after two days of heavy rain on September 24 and 25 submerged fields and washed away crops. Tomato, brinjal, okra, cauliflower, bitter gourd and beans were among the affected crops. Around 1,300 farmers in Durg district cultivate vegetables, fruits and flowers over nearly 20,000 hectares, including around 600 hectares under vegetable cultivation. Villages along rivers reported significant crop damage. The reduced local supply has affected market arrivals. At present, around 30 per cent of vegetables are sourced locally, while nearly 70 per cent comes from Karnataka, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Manoj Chaudhary, a vegetable vendor at Supela vegetable market, said prices had risen by 30 to 40 per cent due to crop losses.

 

He said coriander and drumstick prices had doubled and customers were buying smaller quantities. Sumit Nishad, another vegetable vendor, said guar pods have increased from Rs 30 to Rs 100 per kg, while okra has risen from Rs 40 to Rs 60 and tomatoes from Rs 25-30 to around Rs 50 per kg. Prices of bottle gourd and brinjal have also increased to around Rs 40 per kg. Ridge gourd and black yardlong beans, which normally sell for Rs 30-40 per kg, are now priced at Rs 100-120 due to increased demand during Pitru Paksha. Customers at Supela vegetable market and Subhash Market in Power House said rising prices were affecting household budgets, forcing them to reduce the quantity of vegetables they buy. Farmers said recovery may take time, as several vegetables planted in October will be ready only around January or February. The damage has been reported in vegetable-growing areas including Karhidih, Chikhli, Malood, Belodi, Tirga, Ganiyari, Arasara, Nandkatthi, Gondpendri, Bhatgaon, Khanda Dhaba, Jhola, Mahamra, Changori, Piparchhedi, Kotni, Mohalai, Jewarasirsa, Bhedsar, Bharadakonari, Kauhi, Odragahan, Kesra, Karanja Bhilai, Jhenjhri, Sagni, Parsuli, Sili, Khilora Kala, Tumakhurd, Tumakala, Sukhrikala, Samoda, Pathariya, Litiya, Semariya and Achhoti.