Bengaluru: Finger millet has been always known as the favorite food of poor people. But in recent times, due to publicity of the nutritious and medicinal benefits of finger millet, it has become a favorite among the city residents as well. The sudden rise of finger millet was short-lived as the state-wide drought, especially in the Southern part of Karnataka led to sudden spurt in its prices.
According to APMC vendors, the wholesale rate per kilogram of finger millet in the city markets is Rs.31 per kilo. “Model price of finger millet was between Rs.2,119 and Rs. 3,100 per quintal in the state on Wednesday. Last year it was between Rs.1,500 and Rs.2,100. This means the rates had gone up by Rs.10 per kilo gram in the wholesale markets,” said a vendor from Yesvantpur.
In the retail market, a kilo gram of finger millet is sold between Rs. 40 and Rs.50 based on the quality and variety. “Local varieties are in huge demand. But there is not much supply. Even on online shopping portals, a kilo gram of finger millet is sold at Rs.52 per kilo gram. This was around Rs.40 last year,” recalls Krishnamurthy Adiga, a retail grocery shop owner.
Organic Finger Millet is much more costly – almost out of reach for the common man. According to traders, a kilo gram of organic finger millet is sold at Rs. 70 per kilo gram.
Drought is the culprit
According to sources in the state agriculture department, drought in south Karnataka is the reason for the sudden spurt in the price of finger millets. “Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan, Chamarajnagar are the major cultivation areas. But this year due to shortage of rainfall and non-release of Cauvery water for farming, we are facing shortage of finger millet supply. This has led to the problem,” said a senior officer of the agriculture department.
Families suffer nutrition deficit
According to nutritionists, poor families will be the worst hit by the sudden spurt in the price of finger millet. “Finger millets are part of food habits of lakhs of families in the state. It ensures enough nutrition for all. If prices go unchecked, these poor families will be affected. The need of the hour is procurement by state government,” says Rajeshwari Nayak, a nutritionist.
