The prices of pulses have gone up by 40% in the market after heavy floods hit North Karnataka.
The rates of pulses and cereals have gone up in the city by 40%. The increase in the prices of pulses is due to a large number of farmers losing their full-grown crops in floods, which reduced production.
Arjun Shetty, Co-founder of Grocery Factory said, “The rates of pulses have hiked up because the production is less. As per the seasonal hike, it increases by Rs. 10-20 per kg. But this time due to the floods and lesser production it has hiked by Rs. 30-40 per kg. Tur daal which is supposed to be Rs. 80 per kg at this time is now being sold at a rate of Rs. 120 per kg.”
The rates of tur dal, urad dal, moong dal, gram, have gone up by Rs.30-40 per kg as compared to last year in this month.
Naveen Kumar, a customer said, “In a seasonal price hike, it is manageable for us, but if in the offseason the price hikes, it affects our pockets, we either manage with whatever stock we have or purchase lesser amount.”
In Karnataka, agricultural crops spread over 9.35 lakh hectares land in 22 districts have been washed away in floods.
Venkatesh K.G., Executive Officer, Sales and Marketing, Horticulture Department said, “The variation in the Prices is because of Environmental changes some times. If the supply is in excess, the price still fluctuates. Market and customer consumption is also the main reason for price variation.”
Agriculturist says the government can give some subsidy so that the customers can get cereals at a minimal price.
Varshini Srinivas, Agri-Business Manager said, “It was a natural disaster, we could not control it, but govt. can help the farmers by giving them compensation and by subsidizing the rates of pulses can give relief to customer’s pockets as well.”
The prices of pulses keep fluctuating with the season, but after the floods, it has increased at a higher rate.
