Sevga (Drumstick) Prices Skyrocket in Pune: Rates Cross ₹500 Per Kg Amid Scarce Supply
Sevga (Drumstick) Prices Skyrocket in Pune: Rates Cross ₹500 Per Kg Amid Scarce Supply
Pune is witnessing a sharp surge in sevga (drumstick) prices as supply from key producing regions has plummeted. At Pune Market Yard, sevga arrivals have dropped by nearly 90%, pushing wholesale prices to ₹400–500 per kilogram.
Sevga, an essential ingredient in popular South Indian dishes like sambar and amti, has seen its prices hit record highs. Heavy and prolonged rainfall in Solapur and other southern regions has damaged crops, leading to the drastic fall in supply. Normally, Pune’s wholesale market receives around 4,000–5,000 kilograms of sevga daily. On Monday, however, only 400–500 kilograms arrived, primarily from Andhra Pradesh.
Solapur district, a major sevga-growing area, has suffered significant crop losses due to excessive rainfall. This has delayed the start of the current season, aggravating supply shortages. Last week, sevga traded at ₹140–150 per kilogram; now, rates have surged to ₹500 per kilogram, with ten kilograms fetching ₹3,000 in the wholesale market, according to former Pune Market Yard president Vilas Bhujbal and senior trader Ramdas Katkar.
High demand from South Indian restaurants in Pune and Mumbai has compounded the situation. These establishments, which buy sevga daily for sambar and rasam, are now facing challenges due to the steep price hike.
Consumers and homemakers are also feeling the impact, as sevga, valued for its health benefits including diabetes management, is in high demand during winter. With the soaring prices, households may need to cut down on sevga usage for at least a month.
Traders warn that the situation is likely to persist until the southern states’ sevga supply stabilizes.
