Vegetable Prices: Expected Increase of 15% to 25% Within a Month

Consumers will soon have to dig deeper into their pockets as vegetable prices are projected to rise by 15% to 25% by December. This increase is attributed to ongoing drought conditions and insufficient irrigation disrupting crops.

The dry weather and lack of irrigation have raised concerns about a surge in vegetable prices over the coming weeks. Small-scale farmers are sounding the alarm. If rain doesn’t return soon, market stalls may empty, and prices could skyrocket. "We have entered a dry period. During this time, evaporation increases, making vegetables more vulnerable to diseases. As a result, production is affected," explains Kreepalloo Sunghoon, spokesperson for the Small Planters Association. He notes that the situation is already evident on the ground, with declining harvests and some varieties becoming scarce.

Initial signs of price increases are already being observed. "Two weeks ago, half a kilo of tomatoes was selling for Rs 25. Today, it’s Rs 50," highlights Kreepalloo Sunghoon. This trend is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. "When supply decreases while demand increases, especially with the holiday season approaching, prices rise rapidly," he warns. The spokesperson estimates a general price hike of 20% to 25% for vegetables within a month. Fine vegetables such as coriander, thyme, and leafy greens will not be spared. "If rain doesn’t return soon, the situation could become critical," he warns. Kreepalloo Sunghoon emphasizes the urgent need for authorities to take measures to support farmers and revive production.

Double-Edged Showers

Kailash Ramdharry, spokesperson for the Farmers in Agriculture, Livestock & Cooperative Organic Network (FALCON), echoes this sentiment. "It’s true that we have entered a dry period," he says. Even though some rains have recently fallen, they were not enough to reverse the trend. "Moreover, these rains can be double-edged. Some fields have been flooded, which has also affected production," he explains. According to him, a price increase for vegetables is inevitable starting in December, a recurring phenomenon but exacerbated this year by extreme weather conditions. "Within a month, we can expect increases ranging from 15% to 25%," he estimates.

The lack of water remains the main cause. "The Irrigation Authority has already instructed farmers to water only twice a week. But that is not enough. During periods of intense heat, plants need water to grow," laments Kailash Ramdharry. He believes that only better management of water resources and strengthening irrigation infrastructure can stabilize production and prevent such fluctuations. "We need sustainable solutions, not just temporary measures," he asserts. In the meantime, consumers should prepare for a larger budget for their vegetable purchases during the festive season.

Current Market Prices

A New Borehole Operational in Petite Retraite

In response to the ongoing drought and repeated water cuts in the North, MP Nitin Prayag questioned the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Patrick Assirvaden, in Parliament on Tuesday about measures taken to improve water distribution.

The minister indicated that six public water tankers serve the region daily, including schools, health centers, and public infrastructure. Nine private companies have also been recruited to bolster the fleet, with an additional three to four trucks expected next week.

A new borehole is now operational in Petite Retraite, with a dedicated pipeline to Amaury and the Plaine des Roches reservoir. Currently powered by a generator, it will operate 24/7 once the transformer room is modernized.

The CWA is also replacing an old 250 mm asbestos pipe connecting Petite Retraite to Plaine-des-Roches over 3 km. The new high-density polyethylene pipe, more resistant, is set to be installed by March 2026, at an estimated cost of Rs 10.5 million.

Patrick Assirvaden also condemned the "surface pipes" inherited from a previous CWA management, describing these installations as a "technical aberration" costing Rs 23 million. He criticized the fragmentation of a Rs 700 million project into "small contracts to please friends."

The minister assured that these measures will significantly improve water supply for households in the North over the coming weeks.