Ludhiana, Sept. 5 -- With floods battering Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states, there seems to be no respite for Ludhiana households as vegetable prices continue their steep climb in retail and wholesale markets. Shoppers say every visit to the market is forcing them to stretch their budgets further, while traders admit that the quality of available produce is also deteriorating.

Tomatoes, a kitchen staple, have become symbolic of the crisis. Once retailing for as low as Rs.20 a kg a few weeks ago, they are now selling for above Rs.35 to Rs.40 per kg, and in some markets even higher. Traders say the price hike is directly linked to disruption in supply chains from flood-hit states, which have historically catered to Ludhiana's deman...