The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Tamarind prices shoot up

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Sunday, Dec 19, 2010
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Tamarind prices shoot up

M. Srinivas

Yield affected by unprecedented rains and floods

-PHOTO: K. RAMESH BABU

Out of reach:Tamarind prices range between Rs.90 and 98 per kg.

HYDERABAD: After a steep rise in garlic and onion prices, it is now the turn of tamarind to pinch the pocket as its price range has touched an all time high of Rs.90 to Rs.98 per kg.

Poor arrival of stocks at the wholesale markets of Mahbub Mansion in Malakpet and Osman Gunj near Begum Bazaar has resulted in the drastic increase in its prices. Traders say the unprecedented rains and floods over the past few months have affected the yield this time.

They also look at the possibility of prices touching Rs.110 per kg in the next few weeks because of decline in arrivals and simultaneous rise in the demand during forthcoming marriage season after Sankranti festival. Till recently, the good quality tamarind was available at Rs.60 to Rs.65 per kg, says P. Vijay Kumar, a grocery store owner in Monda Market.

Tamarind trees are found in the wild, particularly in Sholapur, Barshi and Bijapur in Maharashtra, Warangal and Ranga Reddy districts, Srikakulam, East and West Godavari districts. The yield was affected due to rains leading to a shortage in supply, he explains.

10 varieties

Over ten varieties of tamarind, including seeded and seedless is available in the market. While the cost of seeded variety now ranges from Rs.65 to Rs.78 per kg, the seedless variety is priced in the Rs.90 to Rs.98 range. “Given the price factor, consumers are purchasing the product in smaller quantities,” says another shopkeeper M. Aravind.

Tamarind is one of the main ingredients in preparation of favourite ‘sambar', ‘pulusu' and several other delicious dishes.

The increasing price of essential commodities is being felt by consumers. “It's becoming very difficult for us to deal with the escalating prices and is affecting the monthly budgets,” rues a housewife A. Krishnaveeni.

Faced with a similar situation six years ago when tamarind prices shot up, the State government has procured 20,000 quintals from other States and arranged for sale through fair price shops.

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