Jaggery prices down Rs 400 in Maharashtra

Jaggery prices in Maharashtra have declined by Rs 400 per quintal in the last one month. Jaggery, currently available in the range of Rs 2,000-Rs 2,200 per quintal, fell owing to huge arrivals in Sangli (1,35,000 kg), Karad (60,000 kg) and Kolhapur (1,50,000 kg).

"Although there is a fall in price, I feel it is timebound and would be overcome very soon," said Deepak Shah, partner, Nagindas Harilal & Co, jaggery traders based in Mumbai. He said though the festival demand was over, fresh demand was expected with the arrival of winter season," he added.

Shah, however, said there would not be a major price hike in the next two month despite fresh demand from retail consumers as demand would be met through abundant supply from all corners.

Vijendra Kumar Bansal, a Hapur-based trader, said Balti was quoted in the range of Rs 485 - Rs 512 per 40 kg which was approximately Rs 280 lower compared with the price one month ago.

"Last month we were facing supply shortage and hence the prices were rising but supply is smooth now. Today, about 7000-8000 quintal arrived in Hapur," he added. He too projected no rise in prices at least for the next two months from now as the demand would be slackening in the months ahead.

Jaggery (chaku) has already bottomed out in Muzaffarnagar at Rs 510-Rs 520 per 40 kg. Khudpa and laddu are quoted in the range of Rs 500-Rs 508 per 40 kg and Rs 510-Rs 515 per 40 kgs respectively. These prices are about Rs 50 lesser than the price a week ago.

"These varieties are not available in any part of the country hence, we emphasize on selling it without concentrating much on profits. Therefore, once the production starts at full capacity, we try to sell our stocks as fast as possible," said Arun Khandelawal, a trader from Muzaffarnagar.

Total arrival in Muzaffarnagar was about 8,00,000 kg.