MARGAO: Left with no supply of vegetables and fruits due to the flooding in Belgaum, Ghataprabha, Gokak and Chikkodi in Karnataka following heavy rains, the vendors were compelled to keep their shops shut in the State’s commercial capital.
The shortage of milk compelled several hotels and eateries in the town to down their shutters on Thursday. The hopes of receiving supplies on Friday appeared dim. Chicken and egg delicacies went off the menu on Thursday.
Due to the flooding in Belgaum, Ghataprabha, Gokak, and Chikkodi, Goa is now staring at a major shortage in vegetable supply. The supply of fruits too decreased. On Thursday, Coriander was sold at Rs 80 while carrots were priced at a whopping Rs 100 for only 3 pieces. Consumers had to bear the brunt of the skyrocketing rates of tomatoes, brinjals, and potatoes which were priced over Rs 200 per kg.
It is learnt that the release of the dam water in Karnataka flooded the villages and even towns in that State. The opening of Chorla Ghat road on Thursday had no effect as there was no supply of vegetables to Goa from Belgaum.
A vendor from SGPDA vegetable and fruit market informed that there are no chances of supplies reaching Goa even if the rains subside. Some vendors tried to get vegetables in small vehicles to Goa but were shocked to find them rotten.
The Gandhi Market Association president Rajendra Ajgaonkar said, “Today there were very less vegetables available in the market. However, because of no supply, the market will remain closed on Friday”.
The chicken and egg supply too was affected the most on Thursday as stockists/wholesalers/ retailers were without any stock.
Charles Rodrigues, a wholesaler for chicken and related allied products informed that they had finished the entire stock on Wednesday and had been searching for supplies within Goa on Thursday but to no avail.
“The major stockists have exhausted their fresh as well as frozen chicken stock. There was some hope of the Karwar road being open but that too is closed due to flooding,” Charles added.
