Pune, 3rd December 2024: The retreating monsoon in southern states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh has severely impacted drumstick cultivation, leading to a sharp decline in supply across major markets in Maharashtra.

This supply crunch has driven retail prices to an unprecedented ₹500–₹600 per kilogram in cities such as Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.

Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the primary producers of drumsticks, experienced heavy rainfall during the retreating monsoon season, which disrupted the harvest.

Wholesale prices, which typically hover around ₹100–₹120 per kilogram, have now surged to ₹3,500–₹4,000 for 10 kilograms. This steep increase has been observed in key markets, including the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Navi Mumbai, where supply has significantly reduced.

Local traders, such as Ramdas Katkar, predict that prices will stabilize by the end of December when the supply is expected to recover.

Drumsticks, known for their warming properties, are a popular vegetable during winter, as noted by Prakash Dhamdhere, a vegetable trader.

However, the sharp increase in prices—up to ₹150 for just 250 grams in some retail markets—has deterred customers from purchasing. As a result, vendors have observed a decline in consumer demand despite the seasonal preference for the vegetable.