Summary:
Andhra Pradesh produced more than 70 lakh metric tonnes of vegetables in the last financial year, more than 10% of the country’s total production value.
The state has 17 lakh hectares land under horticulture cultivation.
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Vegetable prices in Andhra Pradesh are skyrocketing as traders are cashing in on the pandemic conditions, adding to the woes of the poor and middle classes.
With prices of most vegetables having risen by 30–40%, a family of four is having to shell out Rs 700–1,000 for weekly groceries.
Onions are selling for Rs 20–25 a kilo in rythu bazaars.
But good quality onions in the retail market are going for Rs 30–35 a kilo.
Tomatoes are selling for Rs 30 a kilo, brinjal, lady fingers and bitter gourd for Rs 40; and beans for Rs 70.
Prices of chilli, sweet potato and leaf curry vegetables have also increased.
Fruit prices too have soared over the last few days.