Srinagar, March 23: The prices of vegetables have jumped by over 25% while some have just doubled in past few days amid government-ordered shutdown in Kashmir Valley in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Reports said that Union has gone up to Rs 50 per kg as against Rs 40 per kg a few days ago. Red Spinaches, locally known as Wouste Haakh, was being sold at Rs 90 per kg as against Rs 60 few days ago while tomato has gone up to Rs 40 per kg in comparison to Rs 20 early this week in Srinagar.
People have urged authorities to step in and control the prices of vegetables especially when most people have been economically hit by the shutdown.
Supply of groceries (wholesalers and retailers), supply of fresh fruits and vegetables are among 16 services declared as Essential services and commodities within the Jammu and Kashmir.
The Essential Services also include dispensing of Petrol/Diesel at Pumps, Milk shops and dairies and related products, Supply of Cattle feed and fodder, Medicines and other pharmaceuticals (retailers, wholesalers and manufacturing), Banks and ATMs, Supply of LPG (domestic and commercial), Health services ( including movement of staff thereof), Manufacturing of health and medical equipment, Telecom operators and their designated agencies, Newspapers, Post offices, Loading and unloading of Wheat and Rice at FCI and State Food depots, Transportation of essential commodities through National and State Highways (Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene, Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, groceries, FCI supplies etc.) and Provision of Electricity, Water Supply and Municipal and Sanitary Services.
