KATHMANDU, Jan 18: The price of asparagus has hit Rs 5,000 per kg due to a surge in cases of the coronavirus in the winter season.
Rama Shrestha, a retailer at Naxal Vegetable Market, said in recent times asparagus has become dearer due to the drop in temperature and an increase in the infection rates of COVID-19. According to her, the vegetable used to cost Rs 800 per kg as early as two months ago.
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Last time, in November 2020, asparagus cost Rs 5,000 per kg following the impacts of the first wave of the pandemic. The soaring demand amid a low supply has led to an exorbitant rise in the price of the vegetable, according to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Board (KFVMDB).
Binay Shrestha, spokesperson for the KFVMDB, said the wholesale price of the vegetable has crossed Rs 4,000 per kg in the local market. According to him, the supply has dropped notably in the past one month with a drop in temperature.
Asparagus is rich in minerals and vitamins and is considered a good source of nutrition mainly for sick people. Due to low production at home, Nepal now imports asparagus from Kerala of India and Thailand.
