Bantwal: Banana prices skyrocket due to heavy rains and festival season

The price of bananas has surged in Bantwal due to heavy rains causing severe damage to crops and the demand spike brought on by the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi and other festivals.

The most popular variety, Kadali bananas, has seen a price hike of Rs. 20 to Rs. 30 per kg.

Hill Region Kadali at Rs. 120/kg:

In the B.C. Road market, locally grown Kadali bananas are being sold at Rs. 80 per kg, compared to the previous price of Rs. 50. Bananas sourced from the hill regions are now priced at Rs. 120 per kg, with traders receiving them at Rs. 88 to Rs. 90 per bunch. This represents a significant increase of Rs. 20 to Rs. 30.

Other banana varieties like Gali and Boodi are priced at Rs. 40 per kg, while Cavendish bananas are selling for Rs. 40 to Rs. 50 per kg, depending on quality. Mysore bananas from hill regions are priced at Rs. 60 per kg, while local varieties are priced at Rs. 50.

Prices Likely to Increase:

According to traders, prices may rise even further as festival days approach, and they may only decrease after the festive season ends. However, if supply does not meet demand, prices are unlikely to drop significantly. Traders also noted that bananas from hill regions like Arsikere are of higher quality, justifying the price increase, while locally grown bananas do not match the same standards.

Nendran Prices Drop:

In contrast, the price of Nendran bananas has fallen due to an increase in supply. Previously selling at Rs. 80 to Rs. 90 per kg, Nendran bananas are now priced at Rs. 60 to Rs. 70.

Rs. 20 to Rs. 30 Price Hike:

The combination of heavy rains and the festive season has driven up banana prices, with Kadali bananas seeing an increase of Rs. 20 to Rs. 30 per kg. This price surge is expected to continue in the coming days.