Bhubaneswar, Jul 20: Odisha is witnessing a sharp rise in vegetable and egg prices as continuous rainfall wreaks havoc on crops, leading to widespread damage and reduced supply in local markets.

The state’s one of the largest vegetable hubs, Unit-1 Market in Bhubaneswar, has seen prices of common vegetables nearly double within days.

Okra, which was selling at ₹40 per kg, now costs ₹60-80. Cowpea bean has jumped from ₹40 to ₹70 per kg, while spine gourd has risen from ₹60 to ₹80. Brinjal, once available at ₹60, is now priced at ₹80. Cauliflower, which was ₹40 just days ago, has crossed ₹60. Even pointed gourd and ridge gourd have touched the half-century mark.

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Traders attribute the surge to crop losses caused by heavy rainfall, warning that prices may take 15-20 days to stabilize. Consumers, however, are frustrated, saying the rising costs are straining household budgets.

Surge in Egg Price

Egg prices have also climbed significantly. Within a month, retail prices have risen by ₹2.50 per piece. While producers sell eggs at ₹7.15, consumers are paying ₹9 in the market.

The reopening of schools and Anganwadi centres has fuelled demand, but the price hike has created challenges for supplying eggs to children, pregnant women, and adolescent girls under government nutrition programmes.

The All Odisha Anganwadi Ladies Association has decided to submit a memorandum to the Women and Child Development Department, demanding additional funds to cope with rising costs.

Industry insiders point to multiple factors behind the surge: summer heat affecting poultry, increased exports, and reduced production.

Currently, eggs are purchased at ₹7.25 and sold at ₹9, with a carton priced at ₹1,600.

With daily production at 1.26 crore eggs and annual output at 460 crore, Odisha is still facing a shortfall against its annual requirement of 800-900 crore eggs. Experts warn that unless production improves, prices may rise further in the coming months.