The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is reeling from the aftermath of relentless rainfall that triggered flash floods, landslides, and soaring water levels across several districts. While the intensity of rain has finally eased, the damage left behind has crippled transport, disrupted essential services, and left thousands struggling to cope with the crisis.

One of the most immediate impacts is being felt in household kitchens. The price of essential vegetables has skyrocketed, putting low-income families under severe financial strain.

Soaring Prices Hit Consumers Hard

The heavy downpour and landslides in the Jammu division have led to poor crop yields and restricted transportation. This supply chain disruption has caused a sharp increase in vegetable prices, especially for kitchen staples.

• Tomatoes: Retailing between ₹60–80 per kg in many areas.
• Ginger: Selling at an astonishing ₹270 per kg.
• Apples: Prices have climbed above ₹100 per kg.

These inflated prices have forced many residents to reduce or completely forgo such items, deepening the economic challenges for low-income households.

A local customer voiced frustration, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention to shield poor families from the spiraling cost of essentials.

Vendors Struggle Amid Rain-Induced Crisis

Local vegetable vendors attribute the price hike directly to the heavy rainfall’s devastating effect on crops and transport routes.

“Every monsoon, prices go up. Landslides and longer transportation time make mountain-grown vegetables even more expensive,” said Rahat Singh, a vegetable vendor.

Balbir Bakshi, another vendor, echoed this sentiment, pointing out that in some areas, tomatoes have already touched ₹80 per kg within just a few days. The restricted supply has pushed up prices right from the farm level, compounding the issue.

Supply Chain Breakdown Worsens the Situation

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a lifeline for the region’s trade and transport, has been repeatedly blocked by landslides. With most major roads either damaged or inaccessible, moving perishable goods like fruits and vegetables has become an uphill task.

Data trends show that in normal weather conditions:

• Tomatoes are usually priced at ₹30–35 per kg.
• Ginger typically sells at ₹120–150 per kg.

The current rates are nearly double, underlining the severity of the situation.

Will Relief Come Soon?

Vendors predict that if weather conditions improve in the coming days, prices may gradually decline. However, if the rains continue and landslides persist, the vegetable crisis could deepen further, forcing more families to cut down on nutritional essentials.

For now, residents remain anxious, hoping for swift government measures such as subsidized supplies, better transport management, and quick restoration of blocked routes to stabilize prices.

The devastating rains in Jammu & Kashmir have not only displaced people and damaged infrastructure but also sparked a food affordability crisis. With essentials like tomatoes and ginger priced beyond the reach of common households, the situation underscores the urgent need for policy intervention and relief support to ease the burden on vulnerable families.