Bhubaneswar, July 20 (UDN): Continuous rainfall across Odisha has sent vegetable prices soaring in Bhubaneswar, with crop damage and disrupted supply chains triggering a sharp increase in retail rates. The price rise comes at the start of the holy month of Shravan, when demand for vegetables traditionally goes up as many people follow a vegetarian diet.

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Traders at Unit-I (No. 1) Market said incessant rain over the past several days has affected vegetable cultivation in several districts, while waterlogged roads and transportation disruptions have reduced arrivals at wholesale markets. The supply shortage has resulted in a steep rise in the prices of several essential vegetables.

Among the biggest gainers, beans are being sold at ₹130 per kg, followed by brinjal at ₹80 per kg and spine gourd at ₹70 per kg. Cucumber is retailing at ₹60 per kg, while pointed gourd and bitter gourd are priced at ₹50 per kg each.

Tomatoes, carrots, beetroot, ridge gourd and papaya are being sold at around ₹40 per kg, while pumpkin is available at ₹30 per kg. Potatoes continue to retail at ₹20 per kg, and onions at ₹40 per kg, offering some relief to consumers.

A similar trend has been reported from Chhatra Bazaar, one of the city’s largest wholesale vegetable markets. Vendors said continuous rainfall has damaged standing crops in several parts of the state, reducing fresh arrivals and tightening supplies.

The surge in prices has left many consumers worried, particularly during Shravan, when vegetables form a major part of daily meals in many households. Shoppers said the rising cost of essential produce has put additional pressure on household budgets.

Traders said prices are likely to remain high if the spell of heavy rain continues and fresh supplies fail to improve in the coming days. They, however, expressed hope that rates would stabilise once weather conditions improve and transportation returns to normal.