The alarming revelation comes in the wake of absence of rains that has hit the production of vegetables and fruits across the country.

The national capital, for example, depends on neighbouring states like Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab for supplies of vegetables and fruits. But the crops have been hit by the lack of rains, leading to reduced inflow of vegetables and fruits and subsequently, prices touching new heights.

Prices of tomato is Rs.30 a kilogram in the government-controlled market in Delhi, while that of potato is Rs.19, and ladies finger Rs.30. Prices of apple and mango have soared up to Rs.120 and Rs.90 a kilogram respectively.

The government had said in parliament last week that the rise in food prices was primarily due to higher remuneration to farmers, a fall in production of some crops and a seasonal rise in demand.

The opposition and the supporting parties of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had disrupted proceedings in parliament a number of times over the price hike issue.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, while replying to a detailed discussion on price rise in the Lok Sabha, said the government would hold a chief ministers' meeting Aug 17 to discuss the rising prices of essential commodities.