Chennai: In front of Pongal, the price of sugar cane in the Koyambedu wholesale market complex has fallen almost 50% compared to last year, while turmeric is more expensive due to lack.
For the past three days, 200 trucks with around 2,000 tons of sugar cane arrived on the market.
Sugar cane bundles, consisting of 18 to 20 pieces, sold at an average price of Rs 300 to Rs 400.
However, there are several takers.
Last year, the bundle costs around Rs 700 to RS 800 due to a large demand.
Meanwhile, a pack of three to four turmeric costs around Rs 60 to RS 80 on Wednesday.
The market only received 175 tons of turmeric from Gummidipoondi in the Tiruvallur district.
The ‘Madurai Malli’ variation originating from Nilakottai in Dindigul is sold for 1,500 to 2,000 per kg, around 500 more than the last pongal.
Items may be more expensive in the environmental market.
S Srinivasan, President of the Association of the Chennai Fruit Commission Agency, said more arrival of sugar cane is expected on Thursday and Pongal Day which will help keep prices low.
“Bundles are sold for 250 to 500 on Wednesday,” he said, adding that sales had diminished due to a covid surge.
“We expect better sales in the next two days,” he said.
V R Soundararajan, a former member of the Market Management Committee, said Kunyit cultivation at Erode and Thuraiyur got a bad blow during the rain and resulted in a bad arrival.
The Mookaiiah Association of Chennai Flower Traders Koyambedu said the flowers from the neighboring Chennai were not available this time.