The Peliyagoda Manning Public Trade Association reported today that the nation is witnessing the highest recorded vegetable prices in recent history.
The surge in prices is attributed to the ongoing heavy rainfall and a reduced yield, leading to farmers refraining from sending their produce to Colombo markets.
Commenting on the situation, D.P. Prasad Susantha of the Peliyagoda Manning Public Trade Association highlighted that farmers chose not to dispatch vegetables to Colombo markets today. The staggering prices include carrots at Rs. 600, beans at Rs. 600, tomatoes at Rs. 600, fish at Rs. 600, chillies at Rs. 1000, green chillies at Rs. 500, and brinjals at Rs. 500 per kilogram. According to Susantha, such prices are unprecedented in history, directly linked to the impact of heavy rainfall on vegetable production.
In response to the escalating vegetable prices, the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute held a press conference today to elucidate the reasons behind the substantial increase.
Addressing the issue, the institute’s Additional Director, Dr. Samantha Palliyaguru, emphasized that the primary factor contributing to the surge is the decrease in the supply of vegetables. Additionally, he noted that heightened demand during the festive season has further driven up prices.
