October 26, Colombo (LNW): Consumers in Sri Lanka are facing higher vegetable prices as persistent rainy weather affects the market, while poultry industry representatives report a slowdown in demand for eggs and chicken amid mounting financial pressures on households.
Wholesale prices of several popular vegetables have risen sharply over the past week. Tomatoes, which previously sold for between Rs. 350 and Rs. 400 per kilogramme, are now fetching between Rs. 600 and Rs. 650. Capsicum prices have climbed from Rs. 250 to between Rs. 400 and Rs. 450 per kilogramme, while cabbage has more than doubled in price, rising from Rs. 150 to around Rs. 350.
Anil Indrajith, former chief organiser of the Manning Market Traders Union, attributed the increases largely to unfavourable weather conditions, warning that prices could climb further as the year-end festive period approaches.
Among other upcountry vegetables, beans are selling at between Rs. 400 and Rs. 500 per kilogramme, while carrots are priced at Rs. 200 to Rs. 250. Leeks are fetching around Rs. 200 per kilogramme, and green chillies are being sold for between Rs. 350 and Rs. 400.
Low-country varieties have not escaped the upward trend. Snake gourd is currently priced at approximately Rs. 400 per kilogramme, while ridge gourd costs between Rs. 200 and Rs. 250. Pumpkin has also become more expensive, with prices exceeding Rs. 200 per kilogramme. Ash gourd and cucumber remain among the few vegetables available for less than Rs. 100 per kilogramme.
Indrajith noted that prices across the vegetable market were considerably higher than they had been the previous month. He added that seasonal demand typically places further pressure on prices as December approaches, making an immediate reduction unlikely.
The price increases could place additional strain on household budgets, particularly for families already struggling with the cost of essential food items. Traders will be watching weather conditions and market arrivals closely to determine whether supplies can recover in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, the poultry sector is experiencing a contrasting challenge, with demand for eggs and chicken reportedly falling by around 20 per cent.
Ajith Gunasekara, chairman of the All-Island Poultry Association, said weaker consumer purchasing power had affected sales, leaving producers facing tighter profit margins despite continuing production.
According to Gunasekara, the cost of producing a single egg is between Rs. 30 and Rs. 32. However, farms are currently selling eggs at roughly the same price, leaving little or no room for profit. Chicken consumption has also declined, which he attributed to the difficult economic circumstances facing consumers.
Despite the slowdown, the association has assured the public that measures are being taken to maintain a steady supply of both eggs and chicken throughout the festive season. Producers intend to continue supplying the market without interruptions or shortages.
Gunasekara expressed hope that demand would begin to recover after November 15, as festive-season purchasing gathers momentum. Until then, poultry producers will have to contend with subdued sales and limited margins, even as vegetable buyers face rising costs at the market.
