Delhi’s Vegetable Prices May Surge Due To Farmer Protests

As the farmers’ protests persist for the fifth consecutive day, a trader at Ghazipur Mandi in Delhi anticipates a potential increase in vegetable prices due to disruptions in the supply chain. The trader noted a Rs 4 surge in carrot prices over the past fortnight attributed to supply issues stemming from Punjab. Expressing apprehension, he suggested that prolonged disruptions from the ongoing protests might lead to price escalations for other vegetables as well.

“The price of carrots has risen by Rs 4 in the last 15 days following supply disruptions from Punjab due to the farmers’ protest. This could trigger a hike in vegetable prices. It’s crucial for the issues between farmers and the government to be resolved promptly,” stated the vegetable trader at Ghazipur Mandi.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have jointly called for a “Delhi Chalo” movement to urge the BJP-led Centre to address their demands. Despite their efforts, farmers from Punjab were halted by security forces at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana.

Since the commencement of the march on February 13th, protesting farmers have been stationed at the border points, intensifying their stance against the government.

Contrary to concerns expressed by some traders, another market participant adopted a more positive outlook, indicating that vegetable prices have not experienced immediate impacts thus far.

Commenting on the potential consequences of road blockades due to ongoing protests, a vegetable trader at Delhi’s Ghazipur Mandi remarked, “Currently, there’s no notable effect on vegetable prices. However, if protests persist and road blockages continue, it might disrupt vegetable supplies from regions like UP, Ganganagar, and Pune, potentially leading to price hikes for certain vegetables.”

Echoing this sentiment, a vegetable vendor at the Ghazipur wholesale market affirmed the stability in prices, asserting that vegetable-laden trucks have been arriving in Delhi punctually without any disruptions.

Despite the ongoing standoff, security forces at the Shambhu Border remain vigilant, thwarting attempts by agitating farmers to breach into the national capital. Over the course of the protests, numerous farmers and journalists have sustained injuries amidst clashes with law enforcement personnel, primarily aimed at breaching the barricades.

Following a stalemate in the third round of talks with the central government on Thursday, negotiations are set to resume on Sunday amidst the standoff at the Punjab-Haryana border.