The wholesale price of most vegetables that had been fluctuating on the higher side has slightly cooled within a month, following the late arrival of seasonal produce and improved production.

However, although a month-on-month comparison of prices at the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market shows a notable decline, the reduction has yet to be reflected in retail markets, where price gaps remain wide.

According to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board, wholesale prices of tomato, potato, onion, carrot, cabbage, cauliflower, radish, eggplant, green peas, French beans, sword beans, bitter gourd, squash, turnip, okra, balsam apple, green leafy vegetables, broad beans, mushroom and broccoli have declined by up to 74 percent over the past month.

“The price of seasonal vegetables like tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, green leafy vegetables, radish and carrot has fallen in recent days as winter vegetables have started arriving in the market, albeit late,” said Binay Shrestha, information officer at the board.

He said rainfall in September delayed the planting of winter vegetables, resulting in their late arrival in the market. The same delay had caused prices of seasonal vegetables to fluctuate on the higher side in previous months.

Vegetable traders said supply is now normal, while demand remains strong due to the ongoing wedding season. Shrestha said prices are unlikely to rise further in the immediate future as production is good.

Traders added that winter vegetables will continue to arrive over the next two months, followed by summer vegetables.

On Wednesday alone, Kalimati received 781 tonnes of vegetables, up from the average 700 tonnes daily.

The wholesale price of all varieties of tomatoes — big and small, including Indian, local, tunnel and Terai produce — has fallen by as low as 65.71 percent, with prices reaching below Rs65 per kg. But in retail markets, large tomatoes are being sold for Rs135 to Rs160 per kg.

Market insiders say there is a huge gap between wholesale and retail prices, even within nearby supply areas, largely due to middlemen and retailers taking high margins.

Despite provisions in the Consumer Act, 2018 to regulate market layering and prices of essential goods and services, the government has yet to effectively enforce them, even eight years after the law’s implementation.

As a result, retail prices have shown little sign of adjusting in line with the drop in wholesale rates, despite normal supply and sufficient production.

The wholesale price of seasonal cabbage — both local and Tarai varieties — fell 14.55 percent and 44.44 percent to Rs25 per kg and Rs35 per kg, respectively. In retail markets, cabbage is selling for Rs80 to Rs100 per kg.

Cauliflower prices, which had remained high since the start of the season, have also dropped sharply. The wholesale price of local cauliflower decreased by 74.40 percent to Rs24 per kg, while Tarai cauliflower fell by 65.33 percent to Rs26 per kg. In retail, however, cauliflower is priced between Rs120 and Rs170 per kg.

The wholesale price of red potatoes declined by 6.67 percent to Rs28 per kg. In retail markets, potatoes are selling for Rs60 to Rs70 per kg.

Wholesale prices of long and round eggplants fell by 40 percent and 35.29 percent to Rs45 per kg and Rs55 per kg, respectively. In retail, eggplants are priced between Rs95 and Rs119 per kg.

Seasonal green peas dropped by 26.67 percent to Rs55 per kg at wholesale. However, in retail markets, they are being sold for Rs190 to Rs200 per kg.

According to the board, prices of most green leafy vegetables have also declined. However, the wholesale price of broad leaf mustard rose sharply by 50 percent to Rs16.25 per kg. In retail, broad leaf mustard is selling for Rs30 to Rs40 per 500 grams.

Seasonal broad beans declined by 42.11 percent to Rs55 per kg at wholesale, but retail prices range from Rs190 to Rs200 per kg.

The wholesale price of dry onion fell by 20.43 percent to Rs37 per kg, while retail prices in the Valley range from Rs60 to Rs80 per kg.

Similarly, the wholesale price of local white radish declined by 11.11 percent to Rs20 per kg. In retail markets, white radish is selling for Rs70 to Rs80 per kg.