Vegetable, fruit prices skyrocket ahead of Eid

Srinagar, April 20: The prices of fruits and vegetables are sold at exorbitant prices as the government-notified rate list is not being followed by shopkeepers and vendors selling perishables in Kashmir markets ahead of Eid-Ul-Fitr.
Consumers from several parts of Kashmir said they were overcharged for eatables, especially vegetables and fruits. The consumers said both local and non-local vegetables were being sold at prices much higher than the government fixed rates.
Mohammad Irfan, a Srinagar resident said that shopkeepers who are selling vegetables have increased their rates ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr and there are no checks on the price rise.
“From the past three days, there has been an increase in the rates of fruits and vegetables. What would a poor buy when he cannot afford,” he said.
The consumer also said tomatoes are being sold at 60-65 rupees per Kg which was 40 rupees kg earlier. Lotus stem is being sold at 350 to 400 per kg instead of 250. Similarly, peas are sold at Rs 60 per kg and onion Rs 40 per kg.
He also complained that the rates of fruits like grapes, watermelon, muskmelon, mango and banana are high in markets.
Saima, a consumer from Srinagar said she went to buy some vegetables but the prices of vegetables are on rise adding shopkeepers, vendors have increased rates on their own will.
She also said that the prices of vegetables are even higher in the interiors of Srinagar. He said the vegetable has become unaffordable for people with limited resources to buy.
She said there has been an increase in the price of locally grown vegetables in the past many days and she has even called the concerned authorities of FCS&CA.
However, Director Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department Kashmir, Abdul Salam Mir told Rising Kashmir that they are continuously checking the markets and holding drives.
The Director said on Thursday the department fined many shopkeepers in Srinagar and other districts and warned them of action if the rate list is not followed in letter and spirit.
“Our enforcement teams are working in the markets. Wherever we receive complaints we take action. We are intensifying the market checking. The inspections would continue. Those violating norms will be dealt with strictly,” he said.