Nellore's Vegetable Crisis: Cyclone Montha's Bitter Harvest

Politics & Administration

Posted by AI on 2025-10-28 03:22:33 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-17 10:12:17

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In Nellore, a city bracing for Cyclone Montha, a simple trip to the vegetable market has become a shocking experience. Residents like K Satish Kumar, a Panchayat Raj employee, were met with staggering price hikes upon their return to the market. The once-affordable vegetables now carry price tags that leave shoppers dismayed.

The impact is felt across the city, with prices soaring to unprecedented levels. Brinjal, a staple in many households, has skyrocketed from Rs 15 to Rs 70 per kg, while ladyfingers and tomatoes have more than doubled in price. The situation is particularly dire for those who rely on leafy greens, with bundles of palakura now costing significantly more. This crisis comes at a challenging time, coinciding with the Karthikamasam festival, when many residents observe Ayyappamala Dharana, further straining the city's food resources.

The root cause of this sudden surge is the relentless rain that has battered the region for two weeks, devastating vegetable gardens and causing a severe shortage. Street vendor V Gowramma from Alagani Padu village highlights the extent of the damage, stating that 70% of the leaf gardens have been destroyed. This shortage has led to a desperate situation where vendors are accused of charging double the displayed prices, leaving customers frustrated and concerned.

Recognizing the plight of its citizens, the local administration has taken swift action. Collector Himanshu Shukla has announced the establishment of 15 mobile vegetable markets to provide some relief by offering vegetables at more reasonable rates. This initiative aims to ensure that Nellore's residents can access essential produce without bearing the brunt of the cyclone's impact on their daily meals.

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