Vegetable Prices Drop in Hyderabad as Supply Stabilizes

Vegetable prices in Hyderabad have seen a significant decrease in recent days following a period of sharp increases due to supply disruptions from weather-related crop damage. Market analysts and traders anticipate that prices will continue to stabilize as supply improves, with expectations for a return to normal levels by the first week of December.

Several key vegetables have experienced price corrections. For instance, the price of tomatoes has fallen from ₹48 to ₹38 per kilogram, while brinjals have dropped from ₹40 to ₹30. Other notable reductions include cluster beans, which fell from ₹60 to ₹40, capsicum from ₹60 to ₹50, and ivy gourd from ₹50 to ₹30. This decline is a welcome relief for consumers who had previously faced soaring prices.

Impact of Weather on Crop Quality

Vendors at various markets have reported that the quality of vegetables has been adversely affected by the recent seasonal changes. Hymavathi, a vendor at the Malakpet market, highlighted the concerns, stating, “Vegetables have been arriving in poor condition, and many customers are not buying them because of excess moisture. Their shelf-life is shorter and they spoil faster than usual.” This deterioration in quality has led to consumer hesitance, with some opting to reduce their purchases altogether.

Another customer, Manasa, expressed frustration over the freshness of the produce. “The vegetables are not arriving fresh and they get spoiled by evening. Vendors are not reducing prices despite the vegetables not being fresh,” she noted. The combination of high prices and reduced quality has created a challenging environment for both consumers and sellers.

Market Dynamics and Future Projections

According to Khaja Mohiuddin, an official at the Bowenpally vegetable market, the fluctuations in prices are closely tied to supply conditions. He noted that staple items such as green chillies, eggplant, and tomatoes, which experienced significant price increases last week, have begun to ease. “The rates will be back to normal by December. Prices generally rise due to seasonal changes and rains,” he stated.

As the market adjusts, traders remain hopeful that the return of stable weather will assist in improving supply and further reducing prices. The recent decline in vegetable prices marks a critical shift for consumers in Hyderabad, who have been grappling with the financial impact of rising food costs.