Ranchi Markets Witness Steep Rise in Fruit and Vegetable Prices
Over the past week, markets across Ranchi have experienced a steady increase in the prices of fruits and vegetables, placing additional financial strain on household budgets. Traders report that all major fruits and several vegetables have seen price hikes, with retail outlets observing notable fluctuations. The primary drivers behind this inflationary trend are transportation challenges and adverse cold weather conditions, which have disrupted supply chains.
Significant Price Hikes for Popular Fruits
The cost of guava has risen from approximately Rs 100 per kilogram to Rs 120 per kilogram. Kashmiri apples have surged from Rs 120 per kg to Rs 160 per kg, while a premium variety now commands between Rs 240 and Rs 320 per kg. Oranges are currently priced at Rs 80 to Rs 120 per kg, reflecting a noticeable increase.
Pomegranates, previously around Rs 120 per kg, are now selling for Rs 160 to Rs 220 per kg. Grapes have also become more expensive, with black grapes increasing from about Rs 200 per kg to Rs 240–280 per kg, and green grapes rising from Rs 100 per kg to Rs 120–160 per kg.
Shankar Prasad, a fruit vendor on Ratu Road, noted that apples, grapes, and pomegranates have seen the most dramatic price increases in recent days. This has led to slower sales as customers are purchasing smaller quantities to manage their expenses.
Vegetable Prices Follow Upward Trend
Vegetable prices have similarly climbed this season. Common items such as okra, bitter gourd, drumstick, jackfruit, ridge gourd, and pointed gourd are all experiencing higher costs. Pointed gourd has reached Rs 200 per kg, up from Rs 160–180. Drumstick is now priced between Rs 140 and Rs 160 per kg, compared to Rs 120 previously, while jackfruit sells for Rs 80–100 per kg versus Rs 70 recently.
Bitter gourd is available in the range of Rs 80 to Rs 100 per kg, up from Rs 70. Beans are selling for Rs 160–200 per kg, and green chillies have increased to Rs 50–60 per kg from Rs 40–50.
Consumers Adapt to Higher Costs
Despite the overall price surge, some vegetables remain relatively affordable. Cauliflower is priced at Rs 20–30 per kg, peas at Rs 30–40 per kg, beans at Rs 20–30 per kg, carrots at Rs 15–25 per kg, cabbage at Rs 20–30 per kg, and onions at Rs 25–30 per kg.
Payal Kumari, a local consumer, expressed concern, stating, "Vegetables like pointed gourd, drumstick, and bitter gourd have become too expensive for daily use. We are now relying more on cheaper options like cauliflower and peas to manage our household expenses."
Vendors Cite Supply Chain Issues
Manish Kumar, a vegetable seller at Nagababa Khatal, explained, "Vegetable prices have increased primarily due to reduced arrivals, transportation problems, and weather fluctuations, which have negatively impacted supply in local markets." Vendors indicate that future price trends will depend on arrivals and weather conditions in the coming weeks.
Rahul Kumar, owner of a mess in Lalpur, highlighted the broader impact, saying, "The rise in vegetable prices has escalated our daily operational costs. Managing meals at the mess has become challenging without considering price adjustments."
For now, consumers in Ranchi are likely to continue feeling the financial pressure at fruit and vegetable counters, with little immediate relief in sight as market dynamics remain influenced by external factors.
