On Saturday, there would be urban local body elections in TN and due to this the Koyambedu market would be closed. On Friday, the market was buzzing with activities and the business was superb. Truth is that on Friday as many as 5000 retail vehicles came to this market and the market received an extra 25 percent supply of vegetables. Since last week, the prices of the vegetables have remained stable.
In normal circumstances, Koyambedu market would receive 3000 retail vehicles in a day but yesterday it received 5000 retail vehicles. According to Mr. P. Sukumaran, treasurer of Koyambedu Wholesale Market Association, sales as well as supply have increased by 25percent.
In this market, the cost of onion now is Rs 20 to Rs 35 per kg and tomato is sold for Rs 10 to Rs 25 per kg. Other vegetables like potato and beans are sold for Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kg, broad beans for Rs 25 to Rs 35 per kg etc. When compared to wholesale prices, the retail prices have increased in Chennai by 10percent. Vendors mentioned that the retail price would increase even more as the Koyambedu market would be closed on election day.
According to a retail vendor, the Koyambedu market was full of people yesterday and inspite of that the prices were stable. Therefore, the vendors were able to purchase more than the usual. He added that as usual the rates were increased by 10%. He concluded that the prices of the vegetables would further depending on the sale.
The market would remain closed on Saturday for the sake of urban local elections and the workers belonging to the Koyambedu market would be casting their votes. It must be noted that there are 6000 workers in this market. This was as per Mr. Rajasekaran, president, Federation of All vegetable Traders Association of KWMC Periyar Market.