Vegetable prices in the retail markets of West Bengal, especially those in the state capital of Kolkata, have skyrocketed on the last Sunday before the festivities of Kali Puja and Diwali next week.
It is apprehended that the prices of vegetables will escalate further next week for two reasons: the first being heavy demand for the same on the occasion of the festive days, and the second being the apprehension of loss in production on the inundated farmland because of the heavy rains as an impact of cyclone Dana last week.
Beans are being sold at maximum price in the city’s retail markets at Rs 200 a kilogram. Green chili, an essential ingredient for any staple Bengali diet, is being sold at Rs 150 a kilogram, while the prince of tomato is Rs 100 a kilogram.
The prices of other staple vegetables are quite high in the retail markets too. Lady's finger is selling at Rs 60 a kilogram, while the per kilogram price of bitter gourd is Rs 90.
What is pinching the pockets of average middle-class people is the price of potato which is selling between Rs 35 and Rs 40 a kilogram in the retail markets. One piece of cauliflower is selling at Rs 35 to Rs 40.
There is not much good news for those preferring salads with meals. Carrot and cucumber, two essential items for salads, are selling at Rs 50 and Rs 80 a kilogram respectively.
A member of the task force of the West Bengal government formed to maintain the prices of essential food items in the retail markets, said that these high prices of vegetables will continue as long as the supply chain is not stabilised.
“Often the hoarders too take advantage of the situation that jack up prices further. However, we are keeping a close watch on the situation as instructed by our Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee,” the task force member said.
Over 93 pc new faces elected as BJP's 'Mandal' committee presidents in Tripura
More than 93 per cent of new faces were elected as Presidents of the ruling BJP's 'Mandal' committees in Tripura replacing veterans, a party leader said here on Monday.
64 pc of Kolkata’s iconic taxis to be off the roads by March 2025
Over 64 per cent of the iconic yellow taxis in Kolkata will be off the roads by March 2025 due to the 15-year service limit imposed by the state transport department.
New Maha Cabinet: Fadnavis keeps Home, Shinde gets Urban Development, Ajit Pawar in charge of Finance
Finally, the wait is over. Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday approved the portfolio allocation to the ministers as recommended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The list was released after the conclusion of a weeklong winter session.
India a natural trade and commerce partner of Kuwait: PM Modi
India has been a natural trading partner of Kuwait and continues to be so in contemporary times and people-to-people linkages over centuries have fostered a special bond of friendship between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday.
PM Modi's visit to labour camp in Kuwait underscores government's resolve for welfare of Indian workers abroad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with a cross-section of Indian workers during his visit to a labour camp in Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait, his first official programme after arriving in the West Asian nation on a historic visit, earlier in the day.
Three semiconductor units to be set up in NE will create 80K jobs: HM Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said that the Union Cabinet recently decided to establish three semiconductor units in the northeast for the development of the semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem which would create 20,000 direct jobs and 60,000 indirect job opportunities.
Indian diaspora, 101-year-old former IFS officer greet PM Modi on arrival in Kuwait
The Indian community gave a rousing reception to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he arrived at his hotel in Kuwait City on Saturday afternoon, shortly after he touched down in the Gulf nation, kicking off his historic two-day visit, the first by an Indian PM to the country in 43 years.
HM Shah urges NE CMs to give more thrust to foiling the danger of drugs
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday urged the Chief Ministers of eight northeastern states to give more impetus to curbing the smuggling and other menaces of drugs in the region.