Prices of the seasonal vegetables have started reducing in retail markets with the improvement in the supplies from upcountry. The prices of onion, tomato and ladies finger have been registering a downward trend during the previous fortnight due to arrival of fresh crop, low demand giving some relief to financially squeezed Karachiites.

Prices of tomato come down to Rs 30 per kg and small size tomato are been offered at Rs 20 per kg. Likewise, price of potato come down with the arrival of new crop from Rs 50 per kg to Rs 20 and Rs 25 per kg depending on size. The fresh crop is reaching the city's markets, which has largely helped stabilise its price in the markets.

The retailers expressed that the prices of fruit and vegetables may go further down in coming days due to better supply. The wholesale market is regarded as the most bustling vegetable market of the country where daily, some 500 to 600 trucks arrive from Sindh interior, Punjab and Balochistan carrying vegetables and fruits worth millions of rupees to cater to the requirement of the city.

The areas from where Karachi receives its vegetable and fruit supply includes Badin, Gadap, Thatta, Thana Bola Khan, Hala, Hyderabad, Tando Allayar, Nasrpur and other adjoining areas besides Punjab, and Balochistan. Higher prices of the vegetable always create financial problems for an overwhelming segment of the city. Fresh onion, tomato and onion started arriving in the markets that would not only ease the prices, but would also allow the buyers to choose from various varieties.

Onion Rs 25 to Rs 35 per kg, Cabbage Rs 30 per kg, lady figure ranges between Rs 80 to 100 per kg, ginger Rs 180, lemon Rs 280 per kg, Okra Rs 280 per kg, spring onion Rs 80 per kg, zucchini (tori) Rs 40 per kg, peas (matter) Rs 100 per kg and cauliflower (pool gobhi) Rs 40 per kg. However, price of garlic increased from Rs 200 per kg to Rs 320 per kg.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017