Problem of plenty for commodity prices

 With the foodgrain production projected to touch 220 million tonnes this year, the agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) is poised for a double-digit growth for the first time since 1988-89.

 But analysts fear that over-production will lead to a crash in commodity prices, besides creating problems of surplus management.

 Some analysts also feel that a sharp drop in prices may erode a part of the anticipated increase in rural income and the purchasing power. The GDP numbers calculated at current prices, too, may be affected in such a situation.

 Though the price line has tended to remain stable so far due to the season-end stock depletion, downward pressure will build up once fresh stocks start arriving in the next couple of weeks.

 Apple prices are reported to have crashed to less than a half and, in some cases, one-third of their last year