Price of tender coconut skyrockets in Mysuru as mercury goes up

Shyam Sundar Vattam

Mysuru

What was once the humble and refreshing drink of the masses has now turned into a pricey indulgence. The price of tender coconut in Mysuru has crossed an unprecedented Rs 60 per piece, leaving citizens stunned and parched.

Just two months ago, the same natural coolant was available for Rs 30 to Rs 35. Now, as the mercury rises, so do the prices, thanks largely to the large-scale export of Karnataka’s famed tender coconuts to northern states. With Mandya district—just a stone’s throw from Mysuru—renowned for its sweet and succulent coconuts, traders from far-off regions are lining up to procure them by the truckload.

Once the drink of choice during scorching summer days, tender coconut has suddenly become a luxury many Mysureans can no longer afford. “I used to drink it almost every day. Now, I think twice before shelling out Rs 60 for a single piece,” says Rajesh, a regular consumer from Kuvempunagar. Many like him are now opting for plain water over the once-affordable health drink.

The tender coconut craze in North India is fuelling this price surge. Traders from Delhi, Lucknow, and even Chandigarh are said to be flocking to Mandya and surrounding areas, offering advance bookings for entire coconut crops. In a role reversal, it’s no longer the farmer chasing the trader—it’s the trader chasing the farmer. They even send their own labour to pluck the tender coconuts and transport them, cutting costs and securing supply.