Amid Covid-19-induced lockdown and restrictions, vegetable prices have almost doubled here.
The most significant rise has been witnessed in prices of vegetables like potatoes and tomatoes that are now being sold at Rs 50 per kg.
Many customers complained how vegetables prices were rising. One of them told Nagaland Post, “The price of each item has increased by Rs 10-20. Earlier, tomato was sold for around Rs 20 per kg. Now, it has increased to Rs 40 per kg. Compared to pre-lockdown days, we are now getting vegetables in lesser quantity but at higher prices.”
An elderly man in the market remarked that vegetables have become so expensive that, “as common man, we cannot do anything for we have to eat to survive”. He said the government should look into the matter and ensure that people, who are already reeling under severe economic hardships, did not suffer further. It would be good if prices of not only vegetables, but also of other essential commodities, were made a bit affordable, he added.
DMC warns: Meanwhile, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) on Thursday reviewed both the wholesale and retail rates of vegetables that were fixed earlier.
Asked how the council planned to effectively implement the fixed rates, DMC administrator Albert Ezung claimed that wholesale and retail prices were being reviewed every day, and thereafter these were shared with colony council chairmen and GBs for information to monitor them.
“The profit margin has been fixed at around Rs 10 to 15 per kg and the retailers are expected to sell by that margin only,” he added.
Ezung said helpline numbers have been issued for the people to call up and register complaints related to prices of vegetables so that the municipal council could immediately penalise defaulters, if found in such unethical practices, adding this was the only course of action.
He urged people to contact on the helpline numbers 9862929908, 6009533234 and 7005697120 in case they find any trader charging beyond the fixed rates.
He, however, stressed that complaints should be genuine and that citizens should come forward and contact on the helpline numbers, instead of just complaining.