Bengaluru faces drumstick price shock: Rs 500/kg amid rising vegetable costs |

Bengaluru: Households in Bengaluru are under pressure from soaring vegetable prices, forcing many to change their meal plans to manage their grocery spending. Drumstick prices have reached a record high of Rs 500 per kg, while onions are selling at between Rs 70 and 80 per kg, mainly due to the devastating impact of Cyclone Fengal on crops.
Unusual rains wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karnataka, causing severe damage to crops. Heavy rains in districts like Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Chamarajanagara, Mysuru, Kolar, Chikkaballapura and Mandya led to the destruction of several vegetable crops, pushing up prices in Bengaluru markets.
“Vegetables already in high demand – drumsticks, for example – have become unaffordable for many,” said Anwar Basha, a vegetable trader in Kalasipalayam. “Prices of drumsticks in the retail market have now reached Rs 500 per kg with a single piece costing Rs 50. The wholesale price per kg is around Rs 15-20 lower.”
Raghavendra L, a seller at KR Market, noted the rapid rise in prices. “Last week, drumsticks were sold at Rs 150 per kilo. Now, they have gone up to Rs 500. Even for us, it is difficult to procure them at these rates,” he said.
Umesh Mirji, managing director of Hopcoms, attributed the price surge to a combination of factors, not just Cyclone Fengal. “Tamil Nadu is usually a major supplier, but we have now started sourcing from Maharashtra. The supply delay has increased prices due to the fundamental imbalance between supply and demand. Drumstick prices are also influenced by bulk buyers like factories and event organizers. temporary, and prices will soon stabilize,” he said.
Consumers are feeling the pinch, with many expressing frustration at soaring costs. Priya S, a resident of Rajajinagar, said, “The prices are ridiculous. How can a household afford Rs 50 for a drumstick? And 80 Rs per kg of onion? We stopped buying certain vegetables altogether.
Shobha M, a housewife from Jayanagar, shared her struggles: “I only buy essentials now. Spinach and cilantro are still affordable, but most other vegetables are out of reach. My weekly vegetable bill has doubled from Rs 300 to Rs 700.”
Lakshmi V, a mother from Basavanagudi, said, “I used to prepare drumstick sambar regularly, but now it is not on our menu. Even staples like onions and tomatoes are so expensive that meal planning has become a challenge.
“We stick to cheaper vegetables like cucumber and beetroot,” said Suma R of Banashankari. “It’s frustrating to compromise on family favorites due to sudden price increases.”
BOX: Vegetable prices Kalasipalya Mandi
Drumstick (Moringa): Rs 450 – Rs 500 per kg
Onion: Rs 70 – Rs 80 per kg
Tomato: Rs 50 – Rs 60 per kg
Carrot: Rs 65 – Rs 70 per kg
Bunch beans: Rs 65 – Rs 70 per kg
Ridge Gourd: Rs 45 – Rs 50 per kg
Green chilies: Rs 55 – Rs 60 per kg
Banana peppers: Rs 40 – Rs 45 per kg
Brinjal: Rs 50 – Rs 55 per kg
Sweet potato: Rs 65 – Rs 70 per kg
Beet: Rs 45 – Rs 50 per kg
Cucumber: Rs 30 – Rs 35 per kg
Curry leaves (per bunch): Rs 100
Coriander leaves: Rs 20 per bouquet
Spinach: Rs 15 per bunch
MSID: 116142569 413 |