Vegetable prices soar again in Gangtok

Gangtok,Nov19: The prices of vegetables have skyrocketed in the last couple of days, upsetting many modest household budgets in and around Gangtok.
Though the prices had begun fluctuating after Mumbai typhoon news— both in the Gangtok and elsewhere in the State — have pushed the prices up.The recent rain around Maharashtra has hit standing crops of onion also as per reports. Sources at Lal Bazar attributed the high onion prices to shortage stemming from crop destruction following the deluge in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. “Potato too is scarce,” he added. Both have crossed the Rs. 30-35 mark.Tomato has crosses Rs.50/-.Tashi,the vendor, agreed. “These prices are driving my regular customers away,” she lamented.
Tomato, the common man’s vegetable, is being sold at prices ranging from Rs. 45 to Rs. 55 a kg, depending on the locality. Beans, another favourite, goes for anything from Rs.35 to Rs. 40 a kg while carrot has touched Rs. 40 a kg in neighbourhood vegetable shops.Moong Dal has hit high of Rs.95/- already crushing the budgets of lower salaried people in Gangtok.