Surat Vegetable Prices Soar Ahead of Diwali, Brinjal Jumps to ₹1,200

SURAT: Festive celebrations are getting costlier for households in Surat, with vegetable prices soaring ahead of Diwali as erratic weather, poor crop yields and rising seasonal demand squeeze supplies. Brinjal prices have surged from ₹200–500 to ₹1,000–1,200 per 20 kg in a month, while papdi has climbed to ₹1,200–1,500 per 20 kg, putting pressure on household budgets during the Navratri-to-Diwali period.

Babubhai Sheikh, director of Surat Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), attributed the spike to inadequate rainfall and persistent heat across Gujarat and Maharashtra.

“The current monsoon did not bring adequate rainfall. Vegetable prices have risen because crop yields have been low due to weather irregularities, including insufficient rain and high temperatures,” Sheikh said.

He added that increased consumption during the festive season had widened the gap between supply and demand. Despite winter approaching, high temperatures continue to affect vegetable production.

Brinjal and Green Peas See Sharpest Rise

Market prices recorded between September 11 and October 11 show steep increases in several vegetables. Green peas rose from ₹1,000–1,400 to ₹2,000–2,500 per 20 kg, while choli increased from ₹600–650 to ₹1,000–1,300. Guvar prices climbed to ₹1,300–1,800 per 20 kg, compared with ₹1,000–1,300 a month earlier.

Bitter gourd prices rose from ₹200–300 to ₹300–450 per 20 kg, while tuver reached ₹1,000–1,400.

Lemon Supply Dries Up, Prices Hit ₹200 Per Kg

Lemons have also become expensive, with retail prices in Surat ranging from ₹150 to ₹200 per kg, depending on quality. At Sardar Market Yard, small and medium lemons are selling for ₹1,500–2,500 per 20 kg.

“High-quality, large, thin-skinned and juicy lemons are not arriving in the market,” Sheikh said.

He explained that insufficient rainfall has reduced lemon production in Maharashtra, a major supplier to Surat. Supplies from several Gujarat markets and other states have also stopped, while demand remains high amid hot weather.

Farmers in Maharashtra are reportedly sending unripe lemons to markets to meet festive demand.

Sheikh said prices were unlikely to decline during the festive season, given the continuing shortage and high consumption.