Doomdooma: As families across Assam gear up for Bohag Bihu celebrations beginning April 14, shoppers in Doomdooma are grappling with a sharp surge in vegetable prices that has cast a shadow over festive preparations. The crisis stems from nearly two weeks of relentless rainfall, which has waterlogged local fields, destroyed standing crops, and severely choked the supply chain.
The financial strain is most visible at the local daily markets, where festive staples have become luxury items. Bottle gourd, an essential ingredient for traditional Bihu dishes, has seen its price triple, with small sizes selling for Rs 100 and larger ones reaching as high as Rs 300. The cost of green chillies has climbed to a staggering Rs 200 per kilogram, while other kitchen regulars like ladyfinger, bitter gourd, and pointed gourd are all commanding a flat rate of Rs 100 per kilogram. Even the tomato, which was retailing for Rs 20 just weeks ago, has seen its price jump to Rs 60 per kilogram.
Wholesalers in Doomdooma point to the unseasonal weather as the primary culprit. They explain that with local produce submerged, they are forced to rely on supplies from lower Assam and other parts of the country, which adds significant transportation overheads to the final price.
For residents like Priyanka Saikia, the hike is a major hurdle for the Assamese New Year. She noted that managing festive expenses has become increasingly difficult for ordinary families as essential items continue to double or triple in cost.
While vendors express hope that prices will stabilize once the weather clears, the immediate impact on Doomdooma’s rain-fed farming community remains severe. With the spring festival just around the corner, many locals are now urging authorities to intervene, both to support farmers whose livelihoods have been washed away and to ensure a stable supply of essentials during this culturally significant period.