UNI

Mysore, Feb 20: Widespread protests against the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal in the Cauvery basin region have resulted in the skyrocketing of vegetable and flower prices, with farmers and vendors being the worst affected.

The 15-day-old Cauvery agitation in the Mandya, Mysore and Chamarajanagara districts have restricted movement of vehicles, affecting transportation of vegetables and flowers not only from the domestic areas, but also from neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Devaraja Market Traders Association Vice-President Ramakrishna said vegetables prices have increased by 30 to 40 per cent following doubling of transportation costs from Rs 8,000 earlier to Rs 16,000 to Rs 20,000 now. Farmers were finding it difficult to bring their produce to the market.

APMC sources told sources that the number of lorries carrying vegetables have reduced drastically following the stir, with most of them choosing not to take any risk.

The situation was no different in the case of fruits and flowers, with the rates surging northwards. The famous Mysore Mallige and Kanakambara were the worst hit as the prices had almost doubled now.

Petty vendors were finding it difficult to buy from wholesale dealers due to the high price.

If the situation did not improve soon, prices of vegetables and flowers would increase further. Besides, there would be scarcity of the produces too, the sources said.