Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Oct 16: A severe rainfall deficit, scorching temperatures and mounting pest attacks have dealt a crippling blow to local vegetable cultivation across the coastal region, slashing market arrivals by nearly 50% and sending prices soaring. While consumers are struggling to cope with the rising cost of vegetables, farmers who have invested borrowed money in their crops are facing mounting financial losses.

Brinjal, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, ladies' finger and various leafy vegetables, commonly grown in Udupi and surrounding areas, are in high demand. However, the lack of timely rainfall and a sharp rise in temperatures have caused plants to wither, while increased pest attacks have further stunted their growth and severely reduced yields.

Local vegetable arrivals plunge by half

Compared with previous years, the supply of vegetables from local farmers has dropped by nearly half this season. With locally grown produce becoming increasingly scarce, traders have been forced to rely on supplies from other districts and regions, including Chikkamagaluru, Hassan and Bengaluru, to meet market demand.

Consumers feel the price pinch, farmers count losses

The shortage of locally grown vegetables has pushed prices up considerably, squeezing household budgets. Meanwhile, farmers who borrowed money to cultivate their crops are facing severe financial distress as poor yields and crop losses threaten their livelihoods.

'Buying vegetables has become difficult'

Homemaker Kavya said locally grown vegetables had become increasingly difficult to find in markets over the past few weeks. Even when available, their prices were enough to shock consumers, she said.

“Vegetables brought from other districts do not have the same taste as those grown in our coastal region. With prices rising, managing daily household expenses has become a major challenge for homemakers,” she said.

Traders struggle to meet customer demand

Karunakara Poojary, a vegetable trader from Hiriyadka, said the shortage of local produce and rising prices had made it increasingly difficult for traders to meet customers' requirements.

“There is a shortage of local vegetables in the market, and prices have risen. Customers specifically ask for locally grown produce, making it difficult for traders to meet their requirements. Demand has also increased because of Navaratri,” he said.

Crop protection adds to farmers' woes

Farmer Aravinda Hebbar of Perdoor said intense heat had severely affected vegetable plants, resulting in lower production. Protecting crops from birds and animals had become another major challenge, he added.

“The impact of the heat on vegetable plants has been severe, and production has declined. The threat from crows, peacocks, parrots, pigeons, pigs, squirrels and monkeys has also increased considerably. Protecting vegetable crops and paddy ears from these attacks has become a major challenge,” he said.