Copra prices climb to Rs 22,000 in Kerala, leaving traders stunned

Copra prices have reached record levels after recovering from a previous slump. In the Vadakara market, the price of ball copra hit Rs 19,000 per quintal on Saturday, while Rajapur copra was priced at Rs 22,000 per quintal. This increase has taken many traders and farmers by surprise.

Compared to past seasons, during the 2021 Diwali period, ball copra sold for Rs 18,500 and Rajapur copra for Rs 21,500, making the current prices notably higher. The latest prices are Rs 7,000 above the support price set for these commodities.

In just two days, the prices of both ball copra and Rajapur copra increased by Rs 5,000 per quintal. Over the last ten days, the total rise has been Rs 7,000. For example, on September 10, Rajapur copra was priced at Rs 15,000 per quintal, and ball copra was at Rs 12,750. By September 17, the prices went up to Rs 16,500 for Rajapur copra and Rs 14,000 for ball copra. The increase continued, reaching Rs 17,000 for Rajapur and Rs 14,500 for ball copra on September 18. On September 19, prices further climbed to Rs 19,000 for Rajapur and Rs 16,000 for ball copra. Finally, by September 20, prices jumped to Rs 20,000 for Rajapur and Rs 17,500 for ball copra, reaching a record Rs 22,000 per quintal on September 21.

Analysts suggest that this price surge is linked to the upcoming Navaratri and Diwali seasons, although the extent of the increase was unexpected. Low supply has also played a role in driving prices higher. As prices have risen, the quantity of goods arriving at the Vadakara market has slightly increased, with 2,000 sacks of ball copra reported on Saturday.

In addition to copra varieties, the price of normal coconut reached Rs 40 per kg, marking a significant recovery in the market.

However, coconut farmers are still facing challenges due to reduced production levels, which have impacted their overall income.

In addition to copra, the price for small dry coconuts, reached Rs 14,000 per quintal, while normal coconuts are now priced at Rs 40 per kg, marking a massive recovery in the market. However, coconut farmers are still facing challenges due to reduced production levels, which has impacted their overall income.