Heavy rainfall destroys crops, triggers sharp rise in vegetable prices across Bengal

Continuous heavy rainfall across multiple districts of West Bengal has caused significant damage to standing vegetable crops and disrupted transportation, leading to a sharp rise in retail prices. The impact is being felt across Kolkata, Bankura, North 24 Parganas and other districts where vegetable markets have reported a sudden price surge over the past week.

In Kolkata’s retail markets, cauliflower prices have risen from ₹30 to ₹50–60 per kilogram. Pointed gourd (parwal) has increased from ₹30 to ₹50, while large-sized brinjals are now selling at ₹100 per kg, up from ₹60. Bitter gourd, previously ₹50, is now priced at ₹80 per kg. Turnips, which were ₹50, have also climbed to ₹80 per kg.

Cucumber is being sold at ₹80 per kg, tomatoes at ₹70, ladyfinger (bhindi) at ₹80, and green chillies between ₹100 and ₹120 per kg. Vendors in affected districts have reported reduced availability due to waterlogged fields and transportation delays from rural supply hubs to urban wholesale and retail points.

Ravindranath Kole, a member of the state task force, stated on Sunday night that continuous rainfall had led to large-scale crop losses and affected the supply chain, which resulted in the surge in prices. He added that efforts are underway from the state’s side to stabilise prices, and that some vegetable rates have shown slight decreases in recent days.

According to local sellers, rainfall over the past few weeks has destroyed vegetables still growing in fields, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone zones. Reduced farm output has led to supply constraints in daily markets, leading to rising prices across categories. The price rise has been consistent across rural and urban zones of the state.