E-Kantipur

KATHMANDU, MAY 08 - A day after the Maoists announcement not to obstruct vehicles carrying vegetables, Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market, the biggest vegetable market in the Capital, has started getting stocks from outside Kathmandu.

“More than 400 tonnes of vegetables have been unloaded in the market till 7 pm on Friday,” said Bharat Khatiwada, President of Wholesaler’ Association at Kalimati Market. “An additional 32 trucks carrying vegetables are in queue waiting to be unloaded.”

Traders said vegetables are coming chiefly from neighbouring districts of Kathmandu Valley such as Dhading, Kavrepalanchowk, Makwanpur, Nuwakot and Dolakha in addition to valley districts themselves.

“Trucks from Chitwan are also on way to Kathmandu,” said Khatiwada. He said the new stock would have to speedily reach retailers in the market or else it would start rotting. Earlier on Thursday, 122 tonnes of vegetables reached the Kalimati market on 40 trucks, according to Arjun Prasad Aryal, director of Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board. With the increase in vegetable supply to the Kalimati market, prices have also started to drop. Tomatoes that sold at Rs. 65-70 per kg on Thursday came down to Rs. 35-40 per kg. The price of green chillies also came down from Rs 120 per kg to Rs. 60 per kg. “Prices of most vegetables remained between Rs. 25-30 per kg,” said Khatiwada.

However, the delivery of those vegetables to the doorsteps of consumers remains a major challenge as the Maoists are allowing vehicles to ply on the road. Though the respite time from the general strike has been extended to four hours from 6-10pm, traders insist the relief should come in the morning.

Aryal said it would be practical if the respite time was managed in the morning for smooth delivery of vegetables to consumers. Nepal Chamber of Commerce has urged the Maoists to work it out.

However, the supply situation of other essential commodities is far from normal. Retail shops are running out of essential food items including rice, pulses and wheat flour, among others.

“We have stock of these goods for just two to three days,” said Pabitra Bajracharya, president of Nepal Retailers’ Association. People’s tendency to purchase goods in huge quantities at a time has also caused early shortage of essentials, according to Bajracharya.

He urged the Maoists to allow the transportation of food items at least during the respite time to ensure their availability in the market.

Posted on: 2010-05-08 09:07

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