[1]Kochiites can look forward to enjoying Onam with the nendran variety of bananas like they always do as they have suddenly become more affordable, with their price falling drastically over the last couple of weeks.
The price of the raw bananas has dropped from Rs 50 per kg to Rs 28 a kg as besides arriving in the market from Tamil Nadu, they are being supplied in good number locally from the Kalady-Angamaly belt, says E. Saji, a wholesale vegetable dealer in the city.
“They cost Rs 50 a kg hardly two weeks ago. It’s good they have become cheaper as the harvest of this variety is usually linked to Onam. With the festival round the corner it’s time for people to start frying chips and ripening them,” he says.
To the delight of people, vegetables too have become cheaper in markets.
Cabbage, which sold for Rs 22 a kg till last week, is now available for Rs 8 a kg and cow pea for Rs 16, when it cost Rs 26 a kg not so long ago.
Drumsticks are being sold for Rs 16 a kg and chillies for Rs 18. Only the price of ginger continues to hove around Rs 45 a kg.
Fruits too are cheaper except for the ‘njali’ variety of bananas that cost around Rs 48 a kg. Wholesalers allege that retailers are selling them for more than their actual price, creating an impression that Onam could be a costly affair.
The other bad news is the prices of other ingredients that go to make the Onam feast like rice and pulses, are still on the higher side.
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[1] http://archive.asianage.com/benanajpgcropdisplayjpg-033