Mumbai: Rain hits coriander production, prices soar

At the Kandivli and Borivli markets, vendors were found selling each bunch of coriander leaves for Rs 180 on Monday. Representation pic

The recent rainfall across Maharashtra has badly affected production and storage of coriander leaves, leading to an exorbitant increase in its market price. On Monday, each bundle was being sold for Rs 50-R60, which earlier was about Rs 15-R20. Shockingly, at the Kandivli and Borivli markets, vendors were found selling each bunch for Rs 180.

Speaking to mid-day, APMC vegetable market director Shankar Pingale said, "On Monday, coriander was purchased at Rs 5,000-R6,000 for 100 bundles in Nashik. The same in Pune was purchased at R3,500-R4,000. Due to heavy rainfall the production of coriander suffered and its rate increased in the market."

Vegetable Growers Association Of India president Shriram Gawde said, "Due to heavy rain in the state in the last week most of the coriander that was produced got spoiled. Each farmer usually gets an output of 4,000 bundles of coriander but this time they got only 500."

Pune market yard chairman Datta Kalamkar said, "Usually the market receives about 1.60 lakh coriander bundles each day, but on Monday it only got 86,000. Hence, the rate has increased. Even hotels and restaurants suffered shortages."

A Borivli West resident Khyati Shah said, "We have stopped purchasing coriander due to the price rise. We have to do without it for a couple of days."