Kochi: The price of pepper has surged by Rs 48 in a month, reaching Rs 705 per kg for ungarbled and Rs 725 per kg for garbled pepper on Wednesday in Kochi. For Wayanad pepper, it has reached Rs 720 per kg.

The decline in production is the main reason for this rise. An estimated 10% decrease in production has been reported. According to market analysis, prices are expected to rise further in the coming days.

In 2016, pepper prices rose up to Rs 750 per kg. Subsequently, a decline in prices was observed. If this pattern continues, prices may exceed Rs 750.

In India, Karnataka holds the record for the highest pepper production, followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Due to the decline in production, pepper prices have increased in neighbouring states as well. In some regions of Karnataka, the price of export-quality pepper is around Rs 800 per kg. Traders from Karnataka state that if this trend continues, prices may reach up to Rs 1,000 per kg.