Vegetable prices shoot up in Kashmir, consumers feel the pinch

Srinagar, Aug 14: After the rotten mutton scare, kitchens across Kashmir are facing a fresh crisis — spiralling vegetable prices that have left consumers frustrated and budgets stretched to the breaking point.

A market survey in Srinagar, Ganderbal and adjoining areas on Sunday showed steep hikes across most common vegetables: collard greens is being sold at Rs 80–100 per kilogram, beans at Rs 160, bitter gourd and bottle gourd at Rs 100 each, and brinjal at Rs 90 per kilogram.

“This is the worst I have seen in years. Vegetables are no longer affordable for an average family,” said Shabnam, a homemaker, who had cut her purchases in half. “I came with Rs 300 hoping to buy enough for two days. I left with just a small bag — and that too without beans or gourd.”

At Lal Chowk’s bustling vegetable market, the mood was tense. Customers haggled with vendors, but many walked away empty-handed. “Last week I bought beans for Rs 120. Today, the same quantity costs Rs 160,” said Ghulam Nabi, a retired government employee. “On a pension, every rupee counts. We now eat seasonal greens and skip the expensive stuff.”

Daily wage labourers say the hikes have forced them to make painful choices. “I earn Rs 500–600 a day, and with children to feed, vegetables are becoming a luxury,” said Abdul Rashid from Batamaloo. “We are relying more on dal and rice now. Fresh vegetables are only for special meals.”

Students living in rented accommodations are also feeling the pinch. “We used to cook together and share costs. Now, even pooling money is not enough for a decent meal,” said Imran, a university student in Hazratbal.

Even vendors admit business has become difficult. “We are blamed for high prices, but we buy at inflated rates from the wholesale mandi,” said Mohammad Yaseen, a trader at Parimpora fruit and vegetable market. “Transport costs, loading charges, and wastage due to the heat all add up.”

President of the All Kashmir Fruit and Vegetable Growers Union, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, pointed to poor weather and dependence on imports. “Due to the heat wave this summer, much of our crop has been damaged. This season we are relying heavily on supplies from outside Kashmir, and that has pushed prices up,” he said.

The price surge comes despite Kashmir’s vegetable sector recording unprecedented growth. Official figures show production value at Rs 1,239 crore in 2024–25, up from Rs 1,049 crore in 2023–24 and Rs 541 crore in 2022–23. With an output of 16.69 lakh metric tonnes against a requirement of 10.52 lakh MT, the Valley is in surplus by 6.17 lakh MT this year alone.

Agriculture officials credit policy measures, high-yield seed varieties, polyhouse farming and improved irrigation for the rise. “We are self-sufficient and exporting to other states. Vegetables are becoming a major pillar of our agrarian economy,” said a senior officer.

For consumers, though, such figures are cold comfort. “They talk of surplus and exports. That’s fine. But we just want prices that don’t empty our wallets,” said Farooq Ahmad, a shopkeeper from Bemina. “Statistics don’t feed my family — affordable vegetables do.”