Odisha: Vegetable Prices Skyrocket as Kartika Month Begins

Bhubaneswar: The onset of Kartika month has brought with it a sharp increase in vegetable prices across Odisha, with many items now exceeding Rs 150 per kg.

This sudden hike has placed an additional burden on consumers who are already struggling with rising costs of essential goods like cooking oil, pulses, rice and other food items. This surge has placed a heavy burden on households, particularly those with limited incomes.

The situation is so dire that a Rs 500 shopping trip for vegetables barely fills a bag. Green leafy vegetables, once a staple in many Odia kitchens, have become a luxury for many. The price increase has been attributed to various factors, but the impact is being felt most acutely by consumers.

Local residents express frustration over the exorbitant prices. “Vegetables that were previously available for Rs 60-70 are now being sold at Rs 150/kg. It’s unbelievable,” said one shopper. The situation is exacerbated by the recent elections, which have contributed to the price rise.

The middle and lower-income families are bearing the brunt of this price surge. As the cost of living continues to rise, many are struggling to make ends meet.