Hyderabad, May 18 (Maxim News): Betel leaf prices have increased steeply across Telangana due to poor crop yield and drought conditions affecting cultivation in several states.
Commonly used in religious rituals, festivals and auspicious ceremonies, betel leaves have now become significantly more expensive in local markets.
Traders said the price of a regular bundle of betel leaves, which earlier cost around Rs 60, has now surged to nearly Rs 200 in Telangana markets.
The price of the popular “Calcutta” betel leaves, widely used during festivals and weddings, has almost doubled in recent weeks.
Wholesale traders said prolonged drought conditions and lack of timely rainfall severely affected cultivation, leading to a sharp decline in supply over the past five months.
According to traders, water scarcity reduced cultivation in major producing regions, resulting in lower arrivals in markets across the country.
With demand remaining high and supply dropping drastically, prices increased sharply in Telangana.
Warangal, one of the major trading centres for betel leaves, usually records business worth nearly Rs 10 lakh daily. However, traders said sales have slowed due to rising prices.
Despite high consumption of betel leaves in Telangana, the State largely depends on supply from other regions because of limited local cultivation.
Currently, markets in Telangana receive betel leaf supplies from West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
Traders said transportation costs also contributed to the increase in prices, adding further burden on consumers and retailers.
Wholesale merchants believe prices may remain high unless rainfall improves and cultivation increases in the coming months. (Maxim News)
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