Kochi: With demand rising in the international market, the prices of dry ginger (chukku) have escalated in the state. In the retail market, a kilogram of top quality dry ginger costs around Rs 480-500. Last year, the prices were around Rs 220-250. The overall decline in production in the state and the scorching summer have contributed to the rising demand.

Not many farmers are venturing into cultivation of dry ginger in the state of late. Procuring and processing of ginger is considered a costly affair. At least three kilograms of fresh ginger has to be processed inorder to produce a kilogram of dry ginger (chukku). Hence involving a lot of money in the process.

Fresh and dry ginger are being sent to Kerala mainly from the state of Karnataka. Among all the states, Madhya Pradesh tops the list in production of ginger in the country. Kerala also falls within the first 10 states when it comes to production of ginger, however, the cultivation rate has been steadily decreasing over the years. 

In addition to this, dry ginger (chukku) is being imported to Kerala from other countries as well, primarily from Nigeria. Since imported ginger is relatively less expensive, traders are largely relying on it.

White dry ginger has a high price in the market. The rates keep fluctuating with the change in quality. However, in Kerala, locally made ‘chukku’ and those imported from Nigeria are usually mixed and sold to the customers. Dry ginger is mainly used in curry masalas and medicines.