THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bananas that are inseparable part of Onam have become expensive and rare due to reduced inflow of the fruit from neighbouring state. Apart from the price rise, there is shortage of ‘Poovan’ and good quality ‘Rasakathali’, say wholesale traders. The banana prices had skyrocketed last ‘Chingam’ due to heavy winds that destroyed plantation within the state and in Tamil Nadu. This year also, the produce in areas like Batlagundu has mostly been enough to cater to local needs.
The price of nethran (ethapazham) was around around Rs 35 four weeks back, but is now hovering between Rs 70-75. “Nenthran is important for Onam as its required to make banana chips and upperi (jaggery coated chips). It has high export value in markets like Middle East,” said a wholesale vendor who used to export fruits. ‘Rasakathali’ costs between Rs 86 and Rs 95 in various parts of the city and most available ones are too small in size. ‘Poovan pazham’ cost only around Rs 60, but has been removed from price lists in many shops due to shortage.
“Marriage season always shoot up Rasakathali price. Chingam is a marriage season not just in Kerala, but also in Tamil Nadu,” said trader Mukundesh of Shasthamangalam. Cheaper ones are ‘Kappa pazham’ that cost around Rs 60, ‘Morris’ that cost around Rs 30 and ‘Palayamkodan’ at Rs 40. As Onam season will kickstart cost will shoot up by 10 to 15 per cent.
