Chennai, Dec 3 (NationPress) The prices of banana leaves have surged dramatically across Tamil Nadu following the devastation caused by strong winds and heavy rainfall that flattened numerous acres of plantations. This has led to a significant shortage just before the Karthigai Deepam festival.

This unexpected price increase has severely impacted hotels, catering services, and families preparing for weddings. In various wholesale markets, the cost for a bundle containing 200-240 leaves has escalated to between Rs 3,200 and Rs 3,500, a substantial increase from pre-rain prices. Retail shops are now selling a set of five leaves for Rs 80 to Rs 90.

According to traders and farmers, the price hike is attributed to a sharp decline in supplies from major production areas combined with increased seasonal demand. Prior to the rains, small bundles were priced around Rs 300, while larger bundles reached up to Rs 600. The supply from essential banana-growing regions like Eral and Kurumbur in Thoothukudi, Kalakkad in Tirunelveli, and Pavoorchatram and Alangulam in Tenkasi has drastically fallen due to significant crop damage.

During the recent Ayudha Puja festival, prices soared to Rs 5,000 per bundle, a common occurrence for the season. However, this unprecedented increase during a non-festive period is solely attributed to rain-related damages, as noted by farmers.

In the Mattuthavani central market of Madurai, where numerous traders handle banana leaves daily, the price for a bundle of 200 leaves was reported at Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500. Meanwhile, in the Nagercoil APPTA market, a bundle of 150 leaves was priced between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000, up from Rs 250 to Rs 300 during normal conditions.

Notably, Theni district has experienced no significant price changes, as local farmers successfully maintained a steady supply. In Tiruchy's Gandhi Market, the price per bundle surged to Rs 1,000, marking a sharp increase in just one day.

Farmers have reported that persistent moisture has caused partial damage to leaves, further limiting the quantity arriving at wholesale markets. In Thanjavur district, leaf harvesting was disrupted for three consecutive days, causing the price for 100 full leaves to nearly triple the usual rate.

This shortage has compelled small eateries to adopt paper substitutes to save costs, while larger hotels continue to use banana leaves despite the higher procurement expenses. Families planning weddings have no choice but to buy leaves at inflated prices, with some spending close to Rs 40,000 solely on multiple bundles and transport. As rains are anticipated to diminish gradually, traders are optimistic that supply will stabilize in the coming weeks, although prices are unlikely to decrease until new plantations recover.