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Given current trends, growers expect tamarind prices to rise to at least 300 rupees per kilo by the end of this season. (Photo: Reuters file)
A kilogram of tamarind cost between Rs 80 to Rs 200 in the retail market, but has now risen to Rs 120 to Rs 200 per kg.
With tomatoes becoming a luxury in Indian kitchens due to rising prices, tamarind and lemon are gaining popularity as alternatives. However, high demand has led to an increase in tamarind prices.
Tamarind has a dedicated fan following in South Indian cuisine and is used in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Whenever the price of tomatoes or lemons goes up, tamarind becomes a worthwhile substitute. It adds flair to dishes, maintaining acidity but with a unique mod that can’t be ignored.
When tomato prices started to rise, people turned to tamarind as a last resort. Just a couple of months ago, a kilogram of tamarind cost between Rs 80 and Rs 200 in the retail market, but now it has increased to Rs 120 to Rs 200 per kilo.
The high price of tamarind has been attributed to increased demand and insufficient supply, along with low productivity of the cultivated area.
Tamarind growers have noticed a huge increase in demand since the tomatoes became very expensive, up 40% compared to the previous year.
People from neighboring countries flock to buy large quantities of tamarind, leading to shortages of supplies. If this situation continues for a few more weeks, tamarind prices could reach an all-time high, warns Manjunatha Naika, a tamarind grower from Tumakuru in Karnataka.
According to data from the state horticultural department, the tamarind cultivation area in Karnataka decreased from 12,173 hectares in 2018 to 10,508 hectares in 2021-22, yielding only 40,068 tons of produce.
Farmers attribute the unbalanced tamarind market to the lack of sufficient refrigerated storage facilities.
Given current trends, growers expect tamarind prices to rise to at least 300 rupees per kilo by the end of this season.
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