Multiple areas in Odisha have seen recurrent flooding, which has damaged crops and disrupted the supply chain, driving up the price of vegetables in the state. According to vegetable dealers, tomatoes are now being offered in downtown Bhubaneswar for 25 rupees per kilogram, an increase of about 5 rupees from a week earlier.
Cucumber is now 40 cents per kg, whereas brinjal is 60 cents per kg in price. The cost of a pointed gourd is 40 rupees per kilogram, while the cost of capsicum, lady finger, bitter gourd, potato, and onion has increased for consumers.
According to a vegetable vendor, the cost of foods imported from places like Andhra Pradesh remained unchanged, but the cost of goods largely increased locally. Due to the Mahanadi River being in spate as a result of constant rain, the distribution system from Cuttack's Athagarh and Banki areas, which are significant hubs for vegetable production, was severely impacted.
Wide expanses of agricultural fields were submerged by flooding, which had an impact on seasonal vegetables and crops. In 12 districts, including Cuttak, over 4 lakh people are trapped.
After the area was pummelling by severe rain on Friday night, which caused many rivers to overflow, more floods are anticipated in northern Odisha.
