Bhopal/Indore (Madhya Pradesh): As the state grapples with a shortage of tender coconuts and an increase in cases of vector-borne diseases and viral fever, wholesale and retail vendors are struggling to meet the rising demand from the public, resulting in soaring prices.
In August, tender coconuts were priced at 240-50 per piece in Indore and neighbouring districts. However, prices have now surged to 280-100 apiece. The cost of copra, too, has increased from 2130-150 per kilogram to 2200-230 per kilogram.
Typically, tender coconut prices peak during the summer months, but this year, prices have soared even further due to a shortage in supply and a spike in demand driven by the rising incidence of dengue, chikungunya, and viral fevers.
"Severe heat waves between March and June 2024. caused water scarcity which disrupted irrigation in coconut plantations in coastal regions of the country, leading to crop wilting and production of low-quality coconuts.
Indore usually receives 15-20 truckloads of tender coconuts daily from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat, but the supply has dwindled to just 4-5 trucks," said Niten Sahu, a coconut trader at Choithram Mandi.
Sahu added that tender coconuts, which were being sold at 240-50 until mid-August, are now priced between 280 and 290 depending on quality and size. "The demand has surged by over 60 per cent, while supply has fallen by more than 50 per cent," he explained.
Low supply, high demand
Tender coconuts, which were being sold at 240-50 until mid-August, are now priced between Rs 280 and Rs 790 depending on quality and size. "The demand has surged by over 60 per cent, while supply has fallen by more than 50 per cent
Drink coconut water to stay hydrated
In addition to supply constraints, the soaring demand for coconut water is being driven by a spike in cases of vector-borne diseases across the state. Physicians are recommending patients consume more coconut water to stay hydrated and recover faster from illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, and viral fever.
More than 400 new patients reach MYH OPD
More than 400 new patients approach the doctors of MY Hospital every day with viral and other dis-eases. Patients from Indore as well as the entire division are reaching the hospital for treatment.
