Banana prices nearly double in Kerala ahead of Onam festival

Banana prices in Kerala have nearly doubled in a week ahead of Thiru Onam, with farmers expecting rates to cross ₹100 per kg before the festival. Mathrubhumi reports that chips manufacturers are now paying ₹65-75 per kg, compared to ₹35 last year. Plantains and bananas that sold for ₹45-50 a kg a week ago are now priced at ₹80-85, with wholesalers buying directly from farmers at ₹65-70 a kg.

The price surge stems from a decline in supplies from Tamil Nadu following excessive rain, summer heat and strong winds, according to Mathrubhumi. Climate disruptions have also hit Kerala's own production in Idukki and Wayanad, while last year's price collapse prompted many farmers to abandon cultivation. The Hindu, however, reports a contrasting picture for other Onam essentials: Pottuvelu Subramanian, head of an old trading house, said kharif harvest was abundant and prices of groceries like green gram, jaggery and sugar were at an all-time low, with a minimum 15% overall reduction.

The Hindu notes that coconut oil prices remain at an all-time high, up ₹80 per litre, forcing restaurants to switch oils. But banana leaves and plantains, much in demand for Onam, have stable prices due to rich harvest and optimal climate. Farmers cited by Mathrubhumi say thousands of banana trees cultivated for Onam were destroyed by winds and waterlogging, though The Hindu's broader market report describes brisk business and enduring Uthrada Pachil shopping fervour across Kerala.