Kerala experiences unprecedented price hikes for no particular reason several times a year. Many people become aware of this phenomenon when the prices of goods rise exponentially. Malayalis are now witnessing such a price hike. Prices of commodities are rising just like sudden wind and rain. When one goes to the market or vegetable shop in the morning, one will realise that the price of commodities is not the same as the previous day. Shopkeeps will cite various reasons for the price hike. Extreme heat, untimely rains, floods, hikes in freight charges and many other factors are apparently cited as reasons for price rise.

Kerala, which has to depend on other states for all its goods, will not find it easy to get rid of price hikes. However, the rise in prices can be controlled to some extent if the government mechanisms work effectively. Those in charge will wake up only when commodity prices rise intolerably and people start clamouring. Yesterday, Food Minister GR Anil directed the collectors to check and ensure whether the price hike of vegetables and other essential commodities in the state is artificially created. He also directed the concerned officials to take robust measures to control the price rise. Previous experiences have shown us that the price level is not going to come down just because of such directions. Price hikes can be controlled only through strong interventions of the food department in the market. We can see many examples of this when we look back.

Along with strengthening the public distribution systems, the government should make arrangements for regular market intervention. For this, the existing public distribution centres, Horticorp outlets and outlets working in association with cooperatives should be strengthened. Common people rely more on such systems during the days of price hikes. During such situations, storing enough stock and supplying the products at a low price should be possible. The rampant price hike in the public market can be prevented to some extent if the government institutions where meat, eggs and poultry products are sold also act according to the situation. There are multiple benefits if products can be procured directly from the production centres in the neighbouring states. However, some officials often attempt to make illegal acquisitions of wealth even under the guise of such arrangements. People naturally abandon establishments which purchase substandard goods at the highest prices and distribute them in the state. Popular firms like Horticorp have earned a lot of notoriety through such deals. The government should wake up and start acting as soon as the price rise becomes visible. There should not be a delay in finding the cause and starting the remedial measures. This is the main responsibility of the food department.