Prices of vegetables are at an all-time high taking a toll on the livelihood already affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. People have been raising concerns over the steady rise of price for vegetables since the closure of borders in March this year.
This year, apart from the global pandemic, residents in the capital have been fretting over the soaring vegetable prices. They said the first price hike was reported shortly after the closure of border gates in March this year. Then the price normalised during the summer since the local production was at its peak. However, it soared again beginning this fall.
According to the residents, the hike is three times higher than the usual rate. For instance, a kilogram of cabbage now costs Nu 100. Earlier, it was Nu 40 per kg. Residents are feeling the pinch of the price rise in their already stressed wallets.
“Most vegetables now cost double the normal price. A kilogram of potato costs Nu 100. A kilogram of cabbage costs Nu 100. Big green chillies cost Nu 250. But we have no choice but to bear the brunt. Vegetables are too expensive to buy,” shared Kezang Wangchuk, a Civil Servant in Thimphu.
While some people blame the vendors for hiking the prices, vendors’ stance is that local vegetables come in limited stock with increased price from the source. It is the same with five imported vegetables from India. They share that they are left with no choice.
“The price has increased drastically for both local and imported vegetables this time. Due to limited stock from the source, the price for vegetables has increased. The price of small spicy green chillies is Nu 600 now,” said Chador Phuntsho, a Vendor at the Centenary Farmer’s Market in Thimphu.
“We are helpless too. We receive limited stock of vegetables from the farmers and also limited quantities of imported vegetables, which have led to the price hike,” added Tshewang Tobgay, also a Vendor.
However, the Agriculture Ministry assures that its plan to increase the quantity of imported vegetables and local winter vegetables are almost ready to hit the market. Agriculture Minister Yeshey Penjor said it is apparent for the prices to increase around this time of the year when the vegetable production is low. But the minister added prices are expected to normalise in coming weeks since winter vegetables will hit the market.
“Over the weeks, production in India will also increase, which means our import quantity can increase. With the increase in quantities, the price will decrease,” Lyonpo said.
The minister also said the Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) along with the Office of Consumer Protection is monitoring the price of vegetables. Lyonpo also urged residents owning personal lands to grow vegetables for consumption.
Choni Dema
