Retail prices of fruits, flowers and vegetables skyrocket despite lower rates in the wholesale market

While wholesale traders are lamenting lack of good business and lower prices of fruits, flowers, and vegetables on the eve of Gauri-Ganesha festivals this year, the retail traders seem to be making a quick buck this season. In many instances, the retail prices are almost double than in the wholesale market. This essentially means, while the farmers are not getting good prices, consumers are not spared either. 

For instance, G.M. Divakar, president, K.R. Market Flower Merchants’ Association, said a kg of Jasmine buds and Kanakambara flowers, the most sought after and pricey flowers during the festival season were being sold at ₹1,000 and ₹2,000 per kg, respectively, relatively cheaper compared to previous years. However, the same is being sold at almost double the price in the city’s retail markets. 

“This festive season the business has been dull at K.R. Market. Whenever there are two festivals in the same month, people are not in a position to spend much for the second festival. Gauri-Ganesha festivals have come at the fag end of the month as well. We see no enthusiasm in the market,” Mr. Divakar said. 

The same trend was seen in fruits as well. While apples were being sold at below ₹200 per kg levels in the wholesale market, it was nearly ₹300 in the retail markets. The sharpest difference was seen in Yelakki Bananas, a festival staple. While they were available in the range of ₹60-₹80 in the wholesale market, it was being sold for as high as ₹160 a kg in retail shops. Coconuts, another festival staple, is also pinching the pockets. They cost anywhere between ₹45 and ₹55 per piece. 

Barring onions and potatoes, the price of most of the veggies were on the higher scale.