In Bengaluru, the price of the Yelakki banana variety has skyrocketed, currently ranging from ₹125 to ₹160 per kilogram, making it one of the priciest fruits in local markets. The significant price surge is attributed to crop damage caused by erratic weather patterns, particularly a lack of rainfall during the sowing season followed by detrimental heavy rains.
According to the Horticulture Department, nearly 1,737.7 hectares of banana crops suffered loss in 2024 due to these adverse weather conditions, equating to a staggering estimated financial impact of ₹41.25 crore. Chamarajanagar, a primary hub for banana production in Karnataka, reported extensive losses over 1,104.7 acres, while Vijayanagara district faced damages across 238.8 hectares.
K.G. Purushotham, president of the Banana Fruits Merchants’ Association, explained the challenges farmers faced, stating, “There was no rain when it was essential for the crop, leading to a yield drop of 50–60%. Subsequent rainfall caused the remaining fruits to develop red and black spots, resulting in low market demand.”
Currently, wholesale prices for the Yelakki variety range from ₹95 to ₹100 per kilogram, while the Robusta variety is priced between ₹29 and ₹30. Retail prices reflect a higher cost, with Yelakki bananas selling for ₹125 to ₹160, and Robusta at ₹40 to ₹50. Shoppers are increasingly struggling to find good-quality, ripe bananas, with many reporting that only unripe options are available. One resident noted the difficulty in sourcing ripe bananas for Krishna Janmashtami celebrations.
Market analysts anticipate a potential price decrease post-Ganesh Chaturthi when fresh crops from Tamil Nadu are expected to enter the market.
Widespread Horticultural Crop Loss
This year’s heavy rains have led to horticultural crop losses across approximately 3,700 hectares, valued at ₹65.17 crore, according to Horticulture Department officials. Chamarajanagar, Bagalakote, Haveri, and Kolar districts are identified as the most severely impacted.
In addition to bananas, other affected crops include onions, mangoes, chilies, and arecanuts. The widespread crop damage has driven up prices for various fruits and vegetables in the city, leaving consumers like Bhagya Lakshmi expressing concern over escalating costs. “It is increasingly challenging to buy essentials in the market as we hear about continuous crop damage and see rising prices, often exceeding ₹100, making it difficult for middle-class families to cope,” she remarked.
