Veggies: Consumers feel pinch of rising prices

It really pays to be non-vegetarian; considering the rising price of vegetables in the market for the past few weeks. The tag of being a health conscious veggie has become a costly affair, off late.
With the price of onion shooting over Rs 60 a kilo, potato at Rs 20, green chilli at Rs 35 and tomato at Rs 30 in Dimapur alone, one can well imagine the condition in interior districts. The rise in price of vegetables has affected every stratum within the society especially those running the house hold on a shoe string budget. Ironically, the rise in price of vegetables has come about a time when the season has set in.
A quick survey of the local markets showed the disparity in prices across several items. For most marketers, an onion based menu, at least for some few days, has been a complete no-no. It may be added that the Centre has banned the export of all varieties of onions as part of its fire-fighting measures to control spiraling prices. Further, import of onions has been made duty-free against the earlier 5 per cent basic customs duty and 4 per cent special countervailing duty applicable on the product.
When contacted DMC rate control in charge Atovi asserted that the there is constant fluctuation of rate in vegetables based on various factors. Based on this point, he also added that a daily rate board is maintained within the New Market area for the awareness of consumers.
Though fingers have been pointed at the long chain of dalals and market control by some sort of syndicate for price rise in vegetables, the woes of the public continues unabated. However, one cannot blame the authorities alone for the lack of tough stance taken. Lack of public awareness and not raising voices against illegal practices such as hoarding and black-marketing has been a major contributing factor towards it.
The recently concluded Agri expo has no doubt left an impressive notion amongst the visitors. However, taking consumer state tag into account, expo has also brought forth a question on whether the authorities are doing enough to increase production and marketability especially of vegetables to sustain the local populace.