Vegetable prices in Kozhikode have surged well ahead of Onam festivities, putting a huge financial strain on household budgets across the district.

With the holiday season officially commencing on August 17 (Chingam 1), consumers are facing mounting anxiety long before peak celebratory demand has even set in. “The steep price rise has affected people badly. Keralites traditionally celebrate Onam on a grand scale, but the increase in the prices of vegetables and fruits is forcing families to reduce the quantity of items they purchase. People are unable to celebrate the festival in the way they had planned,” said Sunitha Jyothiprakash, a homemaker.

According to greengrocers, ginger is the most expensive item, priced at ₹220 a kg. They said heavy rainfall had affected ginger production, resulting in reduced availability, and that the price could rise to ₹250 a kg in the coming days.

“Carrots and bitter gourd are priced at ₹120 and ₹90 a kg respectively. Their limited shelf life has also contributed to reduced availability. Raw banana, which is used to make chips, is priced at ₹75 a kg, and it may become more expensive by next week. Curry leaves, coriander leaves, and mint are priced at around ₹100,” said E. Pradeep, a vegetable vendor.

Yardlong beans and beans cost ₹90 and ₹80 a kg respectively. At the same time, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions are priced at ₹25, ₹26, and ₹36 a kg respectively. The availability of pumpkin and cucumber is also relatively low.

Narayanan Kalpakassery, chairman of the Farmers’ Apex Council at the Vengeri Agricultural Urban Wholesale Market, Kozhikode, attributed the surge in vegetable prices to rising demand and a fall in production. “Adverse weather conditions and heavy rainfall have damaged crops, reducing the quantity of vegetables available in the market. Prices could rise further in the coming days as demand is expected to go up ahead of Onam,” he added.

A large quantity of vegetables is brought in from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, while onions and potatoes are sourced from Pune and Nashik. “An increase in wholesale prices is reflected in retail prices, placing an additional burden on consumers. Most vegetables are sourced from the Palayam market. Prices unexpectedly began to rise even before the Ramayana Masam [the Malayalam month of Karkidakam] that began on July 17. We are forced to buy stocks in smaller quantities because of the rise in prices,” Mr. Pradeep said, adding that prices have soared by between 10% and 30% for almost every vegetable.

Several consumers are of the view that the State government should take appropriate steps and offer subsidies through Horticorp (Kerala State Horticultural Products Development Corporation). “This will not only provide considerable relief to consumers but also keep a check on artificially inflated prices ahead of major holidays,” said K. Rajalekshmi, a homemaker.

Published - August 13, 2026 07:50 pm IST