Kathmandu veg supply drops 72 percent

Due to incessant rainfall, the supply of fresh vegetables in Kathmandu has drastically reduced. According to data from the Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee, the daily import of 600 to 700 tons of vegetables has now been limited to 150 tons. As the supply decreases, there are signs that prices will rise.

On Sept 27, 571,912 kilograms of vegetables were imported to Kalimati, the main market for vegetables brought in from outside. However, on Sept 28, only 156,992 kilograms of fresh vegetables arrived, marking a 72.56 percent reduction. Binay Shrestha, the Information Officer of the Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee, stated that while the usual daily intake is around 700 tons, it has now dropped to just 100 to 150 tons.

He explained, “The demand from consumers remains the same, but when the supply weakens, prices are naturally affected. The prices of fresh vegetables have increased, though the prices of potatoes and onions have not risen as much.” Shrestha added that if the shortage persists, prices will continue to be impacted.

Which vegetable supply has decreased?

In the Kalimati market, the supply of small tomatoes, red potatoes, dried onions, cabbage, brinjal, beans, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, okra, spinach, mushrooms, cucumber, ginger, chilies, and green coriander has significantly decreased.

Compared to the previous day, these vegetables have seen reductions of up to 96.77 percent. Capsicum is in particularly short supply. On Sept 27, 1,550 kilograms of mutton chilies were brought to Kalimati, but only 50 kilograms arrived on the 28th, with the average price at Rs 125 per kilogram.

With the reduced supply in Kalimati, a wider shortage has begun. In addition to fresh vegetables, the entry of red potatoes and dried onions has also fallen, with decreases of 67.21 percent and 63.17 percent, respectively. The wholesale price of red potatoes now averages Rs 78 per kilogram, while dried onions are priced around Rs 119. The supply of small tomatoes has dropped by 4.66 percent, with only 14,625 kilograms being imported, compared to 15,340 kilograms the previous day. Its price has risen to Rs 100 per kilogram.

Other fresh vegetables have seen similar declines: cabbage by 93 percent, brinjal by 86.40 percent, peas by 75.22 percent, chickpeas by 54.33 percent, sponge gourd by 95.14 percent, okra by 91.16 percent, spinach by 35.66 percent, mushrooms by 87.83 percent, cucumber by 90.17 percent, ginger by 40 percent, and green coriander by 94.33 percent.

Despite these reductions, the supply of snake gourd, green pumpkin, chayote, tofu, and green chilies has increased at a good pace. With these vegetables in peak season, their prices remain relatively low. Green pumpkin, for instance, is being sold at wholesale prices of Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kilogram.

Minister’s directive to collect data on agricultural damage

Agriculture and Livestock Development Minister Ramnath Adhikari has directed ministry officials to formulate a new strategy after assessing the damage caused by recent floods in the agricultural sector.

In an emergency meeting held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development on Sunday, the minister urged the swift collection of data on the damage inflicted by Saturday’s floods.

The minister emphasized, “It has been reported that the floods have severely impacted agricultural production, and this needs to be addressed.” The ministry has decided to promptly gather accurate data on the damage and develop a corresponding strategy.