Kashmir's soaring vegetable prices leave a sour taste

Srinagar, July 18: The Kashmir Valley is witnessing an unprecedented surge in vegetable prices, leaving consumers distressed and calling for immediate government intervention.

The deregulation of essential commodity prices has led to a lack of market checks, allowing vendors to set rates at will.

A market survey across various areas in Srinagar revealed alarming price hikes. Staple vegetables like saag sell for Rs 80 to 100 per kg, while gourds and peas are priced at Rs 100 and Rs 100 to 120 per kg, respectively. Potatoes are being sold at Rs 50 per kg, tomatoes at Rs 80 per kg, and onions at Rs 50 per kg.

Muhammad Ibrahim, a resident of Soura, expressed his shock at the price disparity: "It is astonishing. I saw a vendor selling onions at Rs 50 a kilogram, while just a few meters away, a retailer on a load carrier was selling the same onions at Rs 25 a kilogram. That's half the price! How can there be such a huge difference?"

The situation is further complicated by the significant price variations between wholesale markets and street vendors. Sabzi markets and some wholesalers are reportedly selling vegetables at almost half the price charged by retail vendors.

Ghulam Hassan, a local vegetable trader, defended the price hikes, saying, "We're also facing increased costs. Transportation, storage, and even basic operational expenses have gone up. We have no choice but to adjust our prices accordingly."

However, consumers disagree. "The government's decision to deregulate prices has given free rein to profiteers. There needs to be a balance between fair profit for traders and affordability for consumers. Right now, that balance is severely skewed."

"The authorities may no longer be authorized to enforce rates, but they still have a responsibility to protect consumers from exploitation. We demand the reintroduction of price control mechanisms and regular market inspections," Farooq Dar, a resident.

An official from the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "We're aware of the situation and are exploring ways to address it within the current regulatory framework. We urge consumers to report any instances of extreme overpricing."