The cost of Vellore’s favourite brinjal, the thorny variety, has shot up in the last few days. Traders attribute the increase in rate to poor yield following rain.
A. Balu, president of Vellore Town Nethaji Market Kaikari Vyabarigal Sangam said the thorny brinjal was cultivated in many parts of the district such as Kollaimedu, Usoor and Chenganatham.
“People in Vellore mostly prefer to eat thorny brinjal than those supplied from other parts of the State such as Krishnagiri and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. It is like Vellore’s own variety and is fast-moving as it is fresh when brought to the market. However, the yield is poor due to rain, as the flowers are damaged.
Hence, the rate has gone up from Rs.30-Rs.40 to Rs.60-Rs.80 per kg,” he said. Apart from this, the rates of majority of vegetables continue to be normal. A kilo of tomatoes is priced at Rs. 15 to Rs. 20, while onions cost Rs. 12 to Rs. 18. Potatoes cost Rs. 25, while small onions are priced at Rs. 30.
“The rate of beans, which was earlier high, has also come down from Rs.60-80 to Rs.30 now,” he added. Carrots are priced at Rs.40 (from Ooty) and Rs.35 (local), while “avarakkai” costs Rs.25-30. Drumstick costs Rs.40, while beetroot is Rs.20 to Rs.25.
The rates of other vegetables are : cabbage – Rs.25, bitter gourd – Rs.20 – 25, snake gourd – Rs.20, ginger – Rs.60, green chillies – Rs.50 and coriander (a bunch) – Rs.30.
He added that this was not the season for cauliflower and peas.
“Though these may be available in shops, the quality will not be up to the mark,” he said.
