Pune: Intermittent rains have adversely affected leafy vegetable produce. This has hit supply of coriander, fenugreek (methi), spinach (palak) and other leafy vegetables. Hence, their prices have shot up. Coriander and fenugreek were sold at record rates in the local wholesale market on Friday.

In retail markets, a bunch of coriander cost Rs 60 to Rs 80 depending on quality. Fenugreek was sold at Rs 50 per bunch. Vegetable trader Rajendra Suryavanshi from Market Yard said, “Since demand is higher than supply, rates of leafy vegetables have risen.”

Suryavashi said, “There is a shortage of vegetable supply to the wholesale market in Pune. Leafy vegetables rot quickly during the rainy season. Rain also affects their quality. Hence, good quality vegetables cost more. Cultivation of new vegetables will take at least a month. Therefore, their rates will remain on the higher side till the Ganpati Festival.”

Prakash Dhamdhere, a vegetable vendor, said, “A bunch of coriander was sold at Rs 40-50 at the wholesale market. Transport, loading-unloading charges need to be calculated. The herb supply from other states has also stopped. Crop has been damaged in the Latur area due to rains. Prices of other leafy vegetables have also gone up.”

Leafy vegetable rates in retail market

*Coriander – Rs 60-80

*Spinach – Rs 60-70

*Fenugreek – Rs 50