Kerala witnesses sharp rise in vegetable and chicken prices

KOCHI: Vegetable prices are rising sharply across Kerala, with the cost of several items nearly doubling in recent weeks. The price of bitter gourd, which was around Rs 30 per kg earlier, has now surged to Rs 65 per kg. Along with vegetables, chicken prices have also increased significantly, with broiler chicken rates going up by as much as Rs 40.

Tomato is currently priced at Rs 35 per kg, while okra costs around Rs 50 per kg. Prices of drumsticks, snake gourds, beetroot, cabbage, and several other vegetables have also increased significantly.

Current vegetable prices Bitter gourd - Rs 65 per kg Tomato - Rs 35 per kg Okra - Rs 50 per kg Drumstick - Rs 45 to Rs 50 per kg Snake gourd - Rs 60 per kg Beetroot - Rs 55 to Rs 60 per kg Broad beans - Rs 80 per kg Brinjal - Rs 40 per kg Cabbage - Rs 40 per kg

Traders say the prices of vegetables and pulses have increased mainly due to lower harvests during the intense summer season and the rising cost of supplying water for farming activities. Vegetables brought from other states have also become more expensive. According to traders, prices may rise further in the coming days, especially with the possibility of another increase in fuel prices.