A few weeks ago it cost ₹130–₹150 per kilo; now it has shot up to as much as ₹600, and even then it is scarcely available in the markets.
Kanjirappally: Whether in sambar or avial, Kerala households are now doing without drumstick altogether in their typical dishes. Even if the taste suffers slightly, homes and restaurants have decided to skip using it for the time being. Across the state, the price of drumstick has skyrocketed. A few weeks ago it cost ₹130–₹150 per kilo; now it has shot up to as much as ₹600, and even then it is scarcely available in the markets.
Even large shops have only a few kilos in stock. Retailers say they are reluctant to buy the item because no one is willing to pay such a high price.
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In Kanjirappally, the price has increased more than tenfold in a month. Drumstick that sold for ₹30 last month now costs ₹380. The native variety is selling for up to ₹420. Traders claim the rise is due to the harvest season having ended.
During the Sabarimala Mandala season, demand for drumstick surges across the southern states, and price rises are common. Last year, rates climbed to ₹500. This year, however, unfavourable weather has caused production to drop.
Kerala’s markets rely mainly on supplies from Tamil Nadu. Drumstick is a crop that flowers and fruits during dry weather, and traders say intermittent rain in Tamil Nadu has hit production hard.
Other vegetable prices also on the rise
Most vegetables reaching Kerala come from Cumbum, Mettupalayam and Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu. Heavy rain in these regions has pushed up the prices of other vegetables as well. Ivy gourd, which was priced at ₹40–₹50, now sells for ₹70. Small onions have risen from ₹60 to ₹80 per kilo. Onion prices have gone up from ₹25 to ₹30.
Tomato prices have also risen in recent days. Tomatoes that were selling for ₹30–₹40 per kilo now cost ₹65–₹75 at retail outlets.
There is some relief in the prices of certain items. Snake gourd, which had climbed to ₹80, has dropped to ₹50. Carrot prices have remained unchanged for a month at ₹80–₹90. Prices also vary depending on quality, with top-grade vegetables costing ₹15–₹20 more in the market.
If the rain continues in Tamil Nadu, vegetable prices are likely to rise further, said trader Prince Jose.
Published: 01 Dec 2025, 01:24 pm IST
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