Festive onset pushed up nutmeg prices but the farmers want more

DIWALI – festival of lights is one of the major festivals in India and with its advancement, the demand for some spices and foods have increased in the market. ‘Nutmeg’ being one such spice, is no exception to this. In addition to this, two consecutive floods in Kerala and climate change have to led to its prices grow between Rs 600 – 650 per kg, which is more as compared to the previous season which was Rs 450 per kg. Mace is selling at a price of Rs 1,900 per kg, which is also more than last year’s price which is Rs 1,100 per kg. Nutmeg taffy – an edible candy made from javetri, is also being sold at a price of Rs 800 per kg. As it is an exotic spice, it has a good demand in the urban society nowadays. Given to this rise in demand, the flood hit farmers are expect to increase the already soaring prices of nutmeg by at least Rs 15-25 per kg before Diwali. This move is driven by the devastating and disrupting floods in Kerala that occurred twice in a short interval of time. Nutmeg ...