PATNA, Oct. 13 -- With the Durga puja kicking in, the prices of some fruits and green vegetables have shot up by about Rs.25 to Rs.40 in local markets of the capital. The sudden price rise is being attributed to higher demands in the festive season and short supply as a result of crop damage in recent floods. Retailers of fruits and vegetables claimed the prices of some vegetables have gone up only within last few days when the festive fervour gripped the city. They said that now vegetables like lady finger, brinjal, tomato, parwal ( pointed gourd), green chilli are now being sold at prices about Rs.25 to Rs.40 higher than previous rates. Vegetable vendors said that the price rise is due to short supply from areas of Barh, Bakhatiyarpur, Samsatipur and Patna city. In fact, tomato, lady finger, parwal have been badly affected by the flood in Chapra, Hajipur, Fatuha, Barh and Bakhatiyarpur. The crops have been damaged, said Manoj Kumar, green vegetable seller at Meena Bazar mandi. He said that coriander leaves (dhaniyapatta) used in almost all dishes for distinct flavours and are sold very cheap are now almost vanishing from the market and thus depriving kitchens of this important ingredient. He added that its prices have shot to Rs.300 per kg, making 100 grams, that most of buyers purchase, cost Rs.30. The prickly period of vegetable price rise may continue till next month as state's prominent festival Chhath puja is around the corner. "Prices of lady finger, brinjal, green chilli onion and other green vegetables will rise due to more demand," he said. "Not only onion but also prices of parwal, cauliflower, brinjal, ladyfinger, green chilli and lemon have already increased. These vegetables are being sold from Rs.40 to Rs.60 per kg," Manoj Kumar Gupta said. Suresh Mehta, wholesaler of fruits at bazar samiti, said prices of all fruits, including coconuts, have seen sudden increase as the demand has gone multifold with the Durga puja festivities ushering in. He said, "Apple is now being sold at Rs.160 which was earlier available at around Rs.70 to Rs.100. Banana is brought from Vijay Nagar district in Andhra Pradesh. We purchased at a much higher price from Vijay Nagar this year. The coconut is being sold at Rs.40 to Rs.60 per piece." Archana Sinha, a housewife, said that a steep hike in vegetables and fruit prices has become the trend ahead of the festivals. "I am not surprised by the sudden increase in the prices of fruits and vegetables. The festival has become a main source of income for shopkeepers," she said....