The price of banana varieties, including 'Poovan', has tripled at the Tiruchy Central Market due to lower production. A bunch, which was priced at Rs 200 until the end of May, shot up to Rs 600 in two weeks. Farmers said they have been cultivating less bananas as they were severely affected by the pandemic. The harvest of bananas began in March. This year, banana varieties including Poovan, Neypoovan, Nendran and Sevvalai were cultivated in an area of about 5,700 hectares in the district. However, farmers did not get good prices initially.
Several farmers responded to the lower prices by not raising bananas at all this year, thereby reducing the total yield. The demand and price of bananas have now increased owing to festive seasons. Currently, there is not enough supply of bananas in the district.
Source: newindianexpress.com