Dry spell likely to double vegetable tags

Mumbai may see the prices of vegetables doubling if rains are further delayed. Prices have already risen one-and"�half times in comparison with last month's.

"Prices will continue to rise in the absence of rains. The market is already witnessing intolerable highs," said Kiran Zodge, assistant chairman, APMC vegetable market.

At present vegetables which are quoting high prices include tomato, cauliflower, brinjal and capsicum.

"The rates of tomato last month were between Rs 8 to 10 but now it has reached Rs 20 to 24 a kg. It is the same story with other commodities," said Zodge.

He did not rule out the possibility of further increase in rates. "Normally, during this part of the year, prices are in control. However, this time the supplying areas have received very little rain so far. The effect is showing with the possibility of prices doubling in the coming days," he said.

Fall in prices can be expected only 15 days after the arrival of the rains.