THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amidst the demonetisation blues, the New Year has offered some respite to Keralites as prices of essential commodities have touched a record low.
According to the data provided by the Economics and Statistics Department (ESD) for Tuesday, the average prices of 39 out of 50 commodities, including provisions and vegetables, fell considerably as compared to the same period last year in the state.
More surprising is the fact that as many as 23 items, including green gram, coconut oil and potato, are even cheaper than the first week of January 2015.
Stakeholders say the record food production in the rain-fed Kharif harvest and the State Government’s effective market intervention programmes have led to the price fall. The trend that started after Onam is expected to continue until March if not for any unexpected natural event.
Of the 23 items under the ‘tubers and vegetables’ category in the ESD list, 17 have lower prices than previous January with some like carrot and tomato showing over 40 per cent dip. Exceptions are elephant foot yam, tapioca, colocasia, cucumber, banana and plantain which recorded 4-56 per cent hike in prices.
While the milk price is stable, a dozen white leghorn eggs now cost Rs 1.40 less. V P Jayakumar, a vegetable trader in Chalai market and a former office-bearer of the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, said now there was a surplus supply of vegetables from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, unlike previous years.
“Prices are down after Onam and the situation is likely to continue until March,” he said.
Cereal is one category that survived the downfall trend and firmed up. Except Chamba rice, all other rice varieties showed an upward trend, 7-18 per cent growth from previous January. Sugar too recorded a 23 per cent growth. According to Satheesh R N, Supplyco’s marketing manager, the new government’s decision to sell 13 commodities at the same rate during its tenure has helped control the prices of major cereals and pulses.
“The 1,400-odd outlets of Supplyco help our consumerist state to control food prices. Commodities other than the 13 classified items are sold at prices 40-50 per cent less than the market rate. FMCGs are sold at 2-30 per cent discount,” he added.