As the ongoing nationwide lockdown entered day four, city residents are now facing a new challenge- a steep rise in the prices of vegetables.

Tomatoes which just last week was at Rs 25 per Kg are now being sold at Rs 60 for the same quantity. Similarly prices of all green vegetables like bottle gourd, spinach and cabbage has also almost doubled during this period.

“The price rise in the vegetables could be due to the difficulty in movement between two districts as well as two states. Small farmers who would generally get their produce on a cycle to the City are doing so anymore as they could be scared of getting caught by the police.

 If there is an increase in the number of positive cases, the government will extend the lockdown most likely and the prices may further increase,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer (CMO) CCL Hospital, Dr Rajkumar. Dr Rajkumar further emphasised that people should avoid eating uncooked veggies. “In the present situation, it is being advised that raw vegetables should not be consumed. Any vegetables once brought home should be thoroughly washed and cleaned before cooking.”

“Vegetables across Ranchi are easily available in all the localities. Presently, the prices of all vegetables have increased by about 20 to 30 percent. Chances are that the prices may further rise but people don’t need to panic about it. India is a country of farmers with an agriculture based economy.

The Ranchi district administration is also working on all fronts and ensuring that basic necessities are available to people from all strata of the society during this time,” said Dr SS Harsh, CMO, Central Government Health Services Lalpur.