Bean prices surge as carrot prices fall across key economic centres

By Charithya Kumarasiri

The price of beans at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre has surged past Rs. 1,000 per kilogram, while the centre simultaneously reports a gradual decline in the price of carrots. 

A similar pattern is seen at the Meegoda and Welisara Economic Centres as well.

Vegetable prices at Economic Centres across the country, particularly in Dambulla, Meegoda and Welisara, continue to show a mixed movement this week following a volatile period caused by adverse weather conditions. Some varieties are easing from the exceptionally high rates seen immediately in the aftermath, while others remain elevated due to lingering supply shortages and damaged cultivation.

At the Meegoda Economic Centre, the wholesale price list displayed on December 8 indicates a notable fluctuation. One kilogram of beans was selling between Rs. 1,100 and 1200, reflecting a continued surge in prices. The price of cabbage was recorded between Rs. 200 and 250 per kilogram. The price of carrots showed a decrease in comparison to the first week of December following the cyclone, and was listed at Rs. 200-250. Meanwhile, the price of brinjal remains comparatively stable, trading between Rs. 300 and 370 per kilogram.

Price movements over the past week at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre denote a gradual stabilisation of supply. The wholesale price of Nuwara Eliya carrots, which stood at Rs. 800-900 on December 1, has sharply dropped to Rs. 110-150 by December 9. Beetroot prices fluctuated slightly during the same period, with a high of Rs. 200-250 on December 1 before settling at Rs. 180-220 by December 9. 

In contrast, beans have shown a rapid and unexpected increase in wholesale prices. From Rs. 540-550 on December 1, rates have risen to Rs. 900-1000 by December 9, driven largely by reduced supply from up-country farming regions still recovering from flooding, crop destruction and disruptions caused to transportation.

At the Welisara Dedicated Economic Centre, changes observed between December 5 and December 9 highlight a gradual normalisation. Beans, which previously ranged between Rs. 820 and 900 per kilogram, have now reduced to Rs. 750-800 per kilogram. Carrots, which spiked to Rs. 470-520 immediately after the cyclone, have now dropped significantly to Rs. 240-300. Other vegetables show mild adjustments as well. Beetroot has shifted only marginally, from Rs. 340-400 to Rs. 330-400. Leeks, however, show a more noticeable decrease, falling from Rs. 330-400 to Rs. 240-300 per kilogram.

Overall, while most vegetables are beginning to return to their usual price levels following the disruptions caused by adverse weather effects, several key items continue to fluctuate as cultivation areas work toward full recovery.