Suspense Crime Sach Ka Dam
Bengaluru: Following tomatoes and coffee, now it’s the Elachi bananas, particularly, that are impacting middle and lower-middle-class households. Prices have surged past Rs 100 and are likely to continue rising with a series of festivals approaching.
In the Channapatna wholesale market near Bengaluru, Elakki banana prices range from Rs 4,300 to Rs 7,000 per quintal. Pachcha bale (robusta banana) is priced between Rs 700 and Rs 2,100 per quintal. High-quality Elaishi, commonly known as Yelakki banana, is being sold for Rs 112 to Rs 120 per kilogram in malls. Banana robusta is available at Rs 38 to Rs 50 per kilogram.
Recently, prices that used to be around Rs 30 to Rs 40 per kg for Elakki bananas from mid-July have now escalated to Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg. Market sources indicate that the prices are unlikely to decrease until the end of September.
The auspicious Shravana Masa or Nija Shravana Masa, celebrated with various festivals and pujas, commences from August 17 and lasts until September 15. Festivals like Nagara Panchami and Vara Mahalaxmi are lined up, and Ganesh Chaturthi falls in September. Additionally, Onam falls between August 28 and August 31.
Market sources confirm that prices are expected to remain high until the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, which spans the entire month of September. Elakki bananas are preferred over robusta for sweet dishes and offerings to deities. The concern has risen due to the Elaichi banana prices crossing Rs 100 per kilogram.
