Persistent Rain Drives Up Vegetable Prices in Pune by 30%

Pune city experienced heavy rainfall throughout the day, causing the water level in the Mutha Riverbed to rise. The persistent rain over the past few days has pushed up wholesale vegetable prices in Pune by as much as 30 per cent, while fruit prices have largely remained stable or eased, traders at Gultekdi wholesale market said.

“Prices of several vegetables have increased by around 30 per cent because of continuous rain,” said Sarang Tapkir, a vegetable trader and owner of the Dnyaneshwar Babasaheb Tapkir firm at Gultekdi Market.

Leafy vegetables have been among the worst affected. According to Tapkir, wholesale prices of dill have risen to Rs 30-35 a bunch, coriander to Rs 40-45, fenugreek to Rs 30-40 and spinach to Rs 35-40, each up by Rs 10-15 from last week. The price surge is attributed to supply disruptions caused by waterlogged fields and transportation delays due to incessant rain.

In contrast, fruit prices have remained largely steady. Traders noted that fruit supplies have been relatively stable, with no major fluctuations in rates. This divergence highlights the vulnerability of leafy greens to adverse weather conditions compared to fruits, which often have longer shelf lives and more resilient supply chains.

The monsoon season typically brings such price volatility, but the intensity of recent rainfall has exacerbated the situation for consumers. Authorities have not announced any intervention to stabilise prices, leaving households to bear the brunt of the increase.