Vegetables getting dumped at Koyambedu market in Chennai?
Posted on: 24/Mar/2022 9:34:03 AM
The arrivals of vegetables from neighbouring states have increased in the Koyambedu wholesale market and this has led to the prices of vegetables to go down. Truth is that the traders have been forced to dump the unsold stocks of vegetables like brinjal, broad beans and tomatoes.
It is noteworthy that nearly 2% to 3% of vegetable stocks are being sent to the dump at this market. In addition to the normal 400 truckloads of vegetables, the Koyambedu market received 50 to 60 lorry’s every day. It must be noted that the copious arrivals have led to drop in the prices of vegetables. Usually in March, some vegetables would cost more is well known. At the retail market, broad beans are sold for Rs 10 to Rs 15 per kilo and brinjal is sold for Rs 8 to Rs 20 based on the quality.
Some time back, the price of tomatoes rocketed in this market in Chennai and many were unable to buy tomatoes also. Now, tomatoes are being sold for Rs7 to Rs 10 per kg for the country variety and Rs 10 to Rs 15 per kg for the hybrid type. Daily, as many as 90 truckloads of tomatoes come to the market from AP, Karnataka and from various places in TN etc.
Mr. P. Sukumaran, treasurer, Koyambedu Vegetables Fruits Flower Merchants’ Association spoke about how abundant harvest and copious rains have resulted in plentiful supply of about 6700 tonnes everyday and this has contributed to the dip in the rates. He explained that when compared to March in 2021 most vegetables cost atleast 10% to 15% less now.
It is learnt that the quality of beetroot and brinjal were poor now as the farmers did not take proper care. He then mentioned that vegetables like green chillies, drumsticks and beans have become costly now.
Point to be noted is that from April onwards the prices of vegetables are expected to increase as the summer becomes more intense. It is now said that the wholesale merchants have asked for the cold storage facilities to store unsold stocks of vegetables like carrots, broad beans etc for 2 days minimum.
