Pune: With Mahashivaratri fast approaching, the demand for fasting essentials such as peanuts, sago (sabudana), and barnyard millet (bhagar) has significantly increased. While peanut prices have surged by ₹200-₹300 per quintal, sago and millet prices have fallen due to higher-than-expected arrivals in the wholesale market.

Peanut Prices Climb Due to Export Demand

According to traders, peanut exports and rising domestic consumption have driven up prices. A significant portion of peanuts is being exported, along with peanut oil, leading to a shortfall in domestic supply.

• Ghungroo peanuts – ₹90-₹100 per kg

• Spanish peanuts – ₹110-₹117 per kg

• Jada peanuts – ₹90-₹100 per kg

• TJ peanuts – ₹72-₹75 per kg

"The demand for peanuts is rising rapidly, and much of the supply is being exported. This has caused a price hike of ₹200-₹300 per quintal," said Ganesh Chordia, a trader at Market Yard.

Sago and Millet Prices Drop Amid High Arrivals

Unlike peanuts, sago and barnyard millet have seen a decline in prices due to an oversupply in the market.

• Barnyard millet (Bhagar) – ₹85-₹90 per kg (high quality), ₹80-₹85 per kg (second grade)

• Super-quality sago – ₹55 per kg

• Second-grade sago – ₹50-₹52 per kg

Sago is primarily cultivated in the Salem region of Tamil Nadu and sees a daily market supply of 150-200 tons. Meanwhile, barnyard millet is grown in Maharashtra (Nashik), Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh, with daily arrivals of 30-40 tons.