NewKerala.com

Key Points

Coconut prices in Chennai have doubled to Rs 80 per kg due to severe supply shortages caused by Cyclone Gaja's destruction and spreading crop diseases. Small eateries are switching from coconut chutney to mint alternatives to manage rising costs, while tender coconuts now sell for Rs 50-60 each. Farmers warn of further price hikes unless the government intervenes to stabilize rates. The crisis highlights long-term agricultural vulnerabilities in Tamil Nadu's coconut belt.

Key Points: Chennai coconut prices double to Rs 80 per kg amid supply crunch

  • Cyclone Gaja destroyed 63 lakh coconut trees in Tamil Nadu
  • Leaf blight and stem bleeding diseases worsen crop shortage
  • Chennai eateries replace coconut chutney with mint to cut costs
  • Tender coconut prices hit Rs 60 each as supply drops
2 min read

Coconut prices double in Chennai amid low supply, retail rates touch Rs 80 per kg

Cyclone Gaja damage and crop diseases push Chennai coconut prices to Rs 80/kg, forcing eateries to switch chutneys and farmers to seek govt intervention.

"The government must intervene and fix affordable prices. Otherwise, there is a chance of another price hike of Rs 5–10 in the city markets. - Saravanakumar, coconut farmer"

Chennai, June 29

Coconut prices have surged sharply across Chennai, with retail rates touching as high as Rs 80 per kg, driven by dwindling supplies and high demand.

In the wholesale market, coconuts are selling for Rs 58–60 per kg, while semi-wholesale rates range between Rs 65–70 per kg, according to Koyambedu Semi-Wholesalers Association President S.S. Muthukumar.

Much of Chennai’s coconut supply comes from Pollachi, Cuddalore, Puducherry, Thanjavur, and Udumalpet.

However, the supply crunch has worsened following Cyclone Gaja in 2020, which devastated thousands of hectares of coconut plantations along Tamil Nadu’s coast.

According to the state Agriculture Department, the cyclone affected nearly 45,117 hectares of coconut groves and damaged around 63 lakh coconut trees in eight districts.

"The government must intervene and fix affordable prices. Otherwise, there is a chance of another price hike of Rs 5–10 in the city markets. Chennai alone needs over three lakh coconuts every day," coconut farmer Saravanakumar said.

N. Thangavel, a farmer from Pollachi, said the drop in production was not only due to cyclone-related damage but also because of increasing crop diseases like leaf blight and stem bleeding, which have become widespread in Tamil Nadu over the past two years.

Rising prices have also hit small eateries across Chennai, many of which have started replacing coconut chutneys with mint chutneys to manage costs.

Tender coconuts, too, have become more expensive.

In parts of Chennai, tender coconuts are now sold for Rs 50–60 each.

Muthuraman, a wholesale dealer, said supply from Pattukkottai and Thanjavur has declined since Cyclone Gaja, pushing traders to source from Puducherry and Cuddalore, where prices are higher.

Dealers note that tender coconut procurement costs have risen by at least Rs 5 compared to last year, with transportation adding another Rs 3 per coconut. Sellers often stockpile coconuts in bulk to maintain a steady supply.

"Tender coconuts are always in demand as they are natural and free of additives," retailer T. Raji said.

Another seller, P.M. Murugan, added: "Despite fluctuations in daily demand, sales remain steady because customers trust their quality."

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Not just cooking - think of all the small tea shops and idli vendors who depend on coconut chutney! Mint chutney is no substitute for that authentic taste. Feel bad for these small businesses.
S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to Chennai, I'm shocked by how expensive basic groceries are becoming. First tomatoes, now coconuts. How do local families manage their budgets? 🤔
V
Vikram M
The cyclone damage was 4 years back! What has the agriculture department done since then to help farmers replant? Typical government - only talks when crisis hits. Need long-term solutions!
A
Ananya R
My grandmother's sambar recipe needs fresh coconut. Now we're using packaged powder but it's just not the same 😔 Hope prices stabilize soon. Maybe we should start growing our own coconut tree!
K
Karthik V
While price control is needed, we must also think about fair compensation for farmers. They've suffered huge losses from cyclones and diseases. Middlemen are making profits while farmers struggle.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see how climate change is affecting local economies. First it was coffee production, now coconuts. India needs better disaster preparedness for agriculture sectors.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50