With coconut prices skyrocketing, even devotees are shying from offering them at temples

With coconut prices rising as high as 115 per cent in the last four months, even the hardcore devotees are now thinking twice before offering them to the gods. Even retailers near temples are storing them in lesser quantities, for fear of early rot. But they hope that the prices will come down after the Ugadi festival.


Naariyal at unreal price: People were paying Rs 9 for a kg of coconut
but now, the prices have crossed Rs 21. Besides, a single coconut that
was being sold for Rs 5 is now selling for Rs 12. Pic/Manjunath L Hanji

Now and then
Just four months ago, people were paying Rs 9 for a kg, but the prices have now crossed Rs 21. A single coconut, which was being sold for Rs 5, is now selling for Rs 12. Retailers blame the price hike on transportation problems, lack in yield, manufacture of coconut oil and export of coconut powder.

"We were selling them for Rs 9 per kg in October, but these days even the wholesale markets are selling them to us for Rs 19. So, if we don't sell them for Rs 21, we will lose money. Another reason for this hike is that depending on the quality, coconuts may rot within a week, so we have to price them accordingly. I hope this ends by Ugadi," said Annapa, a wholesaler from Malleshwaram.

Coconuts being the basic ingredient in many dishes, even hoteliers have started using alternative ingredients for making chutney, sambar.

Watery chutney
Santosh B, Mahalaxmi Outdoor Catering Service said, "It is difficult to manage the quality of the food with the prices so high. We have resorted to making watery chutney, and using Bengal gram with coconut because that powder gives a somewhat good taste.

Devotees are not too far behind either. Traditionally, people offer coconuts in bulk at temples. But the price rise has affected that as well.

Subramanya Achar of Mahaganapati Temple said, "Devotees haven't stopped offering them, but yes, the quantities have dwindled a little."

Vrushabh, a devotee said, "I don't know about others, but I haven't changed. I am still offering two coconuts every Saturday. I hope the prices come down soon."