Vegetable and staple prices have surged significantly across Nagpur following poor rainfall and drought conditions, which severely reduced crop yields and created a severe supply shortage. Data from the Kalamna Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) reveals that wholesale prices for several essential kitchen staples have skyrocketed compared to the same period last year, with some items recording increases of over 250%.

Among the most impacted items, onion prices jumped by 229%, rising from ₹14 to ₹46 per kg. Garlic rose 150% from ₹52 to ₹130 per kg, while lemons experienced a steep 263% increase, soaring from ₹24 to ₹87 per kg. Traders at Kalamna APMC noted that overall supplies from key local producing regions—as well as incoming produce from southern states—have dropped by nearly half due to water scarcity. Daily arrivals of white and red onions at the market have fallen by 28% and 16%, respectively.

The sharp hike in wholesale rates has pushed retail prices even higher, with vendors adding transportation costs and operational margins. Consequently, weekly markets across Nagpur are witnessing reduced footfall as budget-conscious consumers face high costs. On quick-commerce platforms, prices were listed significantly higher, with garlic touching ₹280 per kg and lemons reaching ₹240 per kg.

However, a few commodities saw a decline in prices. Spinach fell 62% to ₹25 per kg, brinjal dropped 41% to ₹13 per kg, and potatoes decreased 23% to ₹9.50 per kg. Nevertheless, traders caution that green vegetable prices could rise again if water shortages persist. Beyond vegetables, essential staples also became costlier at the Kalamna market, with tur dal rising 47% to ₹85.43 per kg and local wheat increasing 14% to ₹26.79 per kg. State officials confirmed that drought conditions have severely damaged major kharif crops and warned that upcoming rabi production remains uncertain. Stay tuned to know more about it and others only with us.