Landslides Slash Vegetable Deliveries to Kathmandu, Prices Surge
Heavy rains have triggered landslides that blocked key highways, cutting vegetable deliveries to Kathmandu's Kalimati market by almost two-thirds and pushing prices sharply higher.
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has brought heavy rain to much of Nepal, prompting landslides that blocked the Prithvi and BP Highways, the primary supply lines for vegetables to Kathmandu. The Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board recorded a drop in deliveries from 657 tonnes on Thursday to 242 tonnes on Friday, compared with its usual 700-800 tonnes per day. Vegetable trader Ram Sharan Rijal noted the sharp decline in supply has driven up prices across the board.
Executive director Pradyumna Raj Pandey said the disruption coincides with the approach of major festivals and the wedding season, which will likely increase demand further. Wholesale prices have risen dramatically, with tomatoes up over 60 percent and cabbage more than doubling within a week.
Why it matters
Disrupted supply routes are inflating food costs for Kathmandu residents during a peak demand period.
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