Bananas in Bengaluru have dropped to about 50% of the price they were last year, despite other produce increasing in price.
Pacha bales or green bananas, which were selling at Rs 15 per kg in the wholesale markets in 2014, are now available for less than Rs 5. However in retail prices, they are around Rs 15-20 per kg. Wholesale yelakki bales or dwarf bananas, are being sold around Rs 10-20 per kg but retail prices continue to be Rs 40-45 per kg.
Banana production was hit by some climate changes. Acreage was reduced and the planting was delayed in some places due to very high temperatures. Though the prices have dropped by some percent, they are expected to move up again in the coming days. The main reason for the wholesale price drop is a production surplus in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Most retail outlets, though, have not changed their rates. Another reason for the price drop is said to be factory closures in parts of the Hubbali and other places due to the Mahadayi protest.
Each day, Bengaluru receives 80-90 loads of bananas, each load consisting of around 5-7 tonnes.
