Aurangabad, Oct 25:
The returning rains has severely damaged crops. As a result, prices of essential commodities have risen further in the market. Grains kept in the storage by farmers have been spoiled by moisture. Similarly, thousands of hectares of crops are spoilt. Excessive rain has caused the pearl millet to turn black. About 70 per cent of the millets sold in the market are of low quality. As a result, the price of good quality millet has gone up by Rs 5 to 7 per kg and is selling at Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,750 per quintal.
Retailers have to buy millet at Rs 17 to 20 per kg. Currently, the Rabi season is almost underway and this year, the area under wheat is expected to increase due to three times the average rainfall. Wheat is in demand from the seed companies. As a result, the price has gone up by Rs 50 to Rs 60 and wheat is being sold at Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per quintal. Due to rains, the soybean season has been extended by 15 days. Soybean oil was selling at Rs 96 to Rs 98 per liter last week. The rains damaged a large number of vegetables. As a result, vegetable prices rose by Rs 10 per kg. Onion is being sold at Rs 90, cabbage at Rs 80, brinjal at Rs 70 and potatoes at Rs 50-60 per kg.
Millet spoiled by rain
"Harvested millets have been damaged by heavy rains. Millet buds are falling. This has increased the price of good quality bajra. Demand for wheat is increasing due to sowing," Nilesh Somani, grain trader.
Edible oil prices will remain stable till Diwali
"Rains have hit soybean and sorghum production hard. This also has an effect on Soybean oil color. This pushed up the price of edible oil. However, prices will remain stable till Diwali," Ashok Mitkar, oil seller.