Escalating prices of dry fruits turn Holi delicacies sour

KANPUR: The preparation of Holi delicacies might cost you more this time round. There has been a sharp rise in the prices of dry fruits, spices and eatables as the festival draws nearer.

Pointedly, the price of dry fruit had increased by 15-20 per cent. Almond kernel, sold at Rs 350 a kg last year, has increased to Rs 400 per kg whereas. Cashew which was Rs 300 a kg, jumped to Rs 500 kg. Similarly, raisin reached from Rs 100 to Rs 200 kg while cardamom has crossed Rs 1,000 per kg.

A wholesale dealer of dry fruits in Nayaganj said: "In comparison to last year, the cost of almost all the dry fruits has increased by 20 per cent this year. Coconut, which is more in demand during Holi, has climbed from Rs 50 to Rs 80. Prices of other dry fruits like walnuts, cashew and almonds have also risen." Attributing less production and high demand of walnut for export, he said that the cost price of this dry fruit has increased from Rs 140 a kg to Rs 250.

However, a majority of families cannot afford dry fruits at these prices. Retailers and wholesalers claim that soaring prices has lead to the dip in the demand. "Owing to the soaring prices, the demand for dry fruits has decreased by 15-20 per cent. Till last year there was huge rush of buyers for dry fruits but due to increase in the prices of essential items like vegetables, cereals and pulses, buyers are unwilling to spend money on dry fruits," another wholesaler said.

Spices are also burning a hole in the pocket of consumers. Turmeric powder that was Rs 150 per kilogram last year has gone up to Rs 200 per kg in the mid of 2010. The price of bishop's seed (ajwain) has jumped from Rs 60 to Rs 220 per kg, nutwig (jaiphal) has reached to Rs 500 per kg from Rs 300 and mace (javitri) has shot up to Rs 1600 kg from Rs 600 last year.

In the past few months, the prices of spices like cardamom, cumin, fennel, black pepper and cassia have shot up.

"Most of the product come from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and rain forests of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu," said another wholesaler in Nayaganj. "With the rains playing truant, the crops have been affected, leading to a cut in the supplies to the city," he added.

While the price rise is there to stay, the housewives have started making compromises. "I think twice before I place my hand on an item in the grocery shop. My expenditure just doubled with expenses going up to Rs 1200 a week from Rs 600 not so long ago," says Vidya, a housewife.

As the prices escalate, adulterated spices are being sold in the market. The traders mix ash and rice bran to the powdered turmeric. Similarly, brick powder is mixed in chilli powder.

Dry fruits 2009 (Price in Rs per kg) 2010-11 (price in Rs per kg)

* Coconut 50 80

* Resins 100 200

* Walnut 140 230

* Almond 350 400

* Cashew 300 500

Spices 2009 (price in Rs per kg) 2010-11 (price in Rs per kg)

* Turmeric 150 200

* Coriander 130 155

* Cumin 130 150

* Ajwain 60 220

* Fenugreek (methi) 60 60