Risk of vegetable crop shortages due to drought and fertilizer scarcity

According to the chairman of the Dambulla Economic Center Traders Association, S. A. Siriwardhana, the daily volume of vegetable supply to the center has decreased by 200,000 kg. Currently, 400,000 kg of vegetables are arriving daily, although this figure was previously 600,000 kg. The current situation has affected retail prices: a kilogram of bell pepper (maalu miris) costs from 500 to 550 rupees, and carrots from 230 to 250 rupees. The cost of eggplants has reached 350 rupees per kilogram, the price for drumsticks varies from 150 to 200 rupees, and pumpkin is sold for 115 rupees per kilogram.

Former chairman of the Manning Market Traders Association, S. M. Upasena, noted that farmers are reluctant to start growing new crops due to the drop in water levels in reservoirs and dams caused by dry weather. Despite forecasts of a possible acute vegetable shortage in the future, there is no sharp price increase at the moment, as the effective demand for essential goods has declined.

Nevertheless, experts warn of persistent crisis risks. The inability to build up additional storage stocks of produce under current conditions creates the prerequisites for serious problems with vegetable supply in the long term.