The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has forecast an upward swing in banana prices till October, being the festive season.

The Price Forecasting Scheme of TNAU has analyzed the 15 years’ monthly prices of Poovan and Karpooravalli, and eight years’ monthly prices of Nendran banana of Coimbatore, to help the growers to get better returns. The analysis and traders survey indicated that during August – October, the expected average farm gate price would be Rs.23-25 per kilo for Poovan, Rs.27-29 per kilo for Karpooravalli, and Rs.36-38 per kilo for Nendran, and advised the farmers to make appropriate decisions.

Around 1.13 lakh hectares of land is under banana cultivation in Tamil Nadu, with a production
of 49 lakhs tonnes during 2015-16. Theni, Trichy, Erode, Thoothukudi, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Thanjavur, and Dindigul are the major growing districts.

With festival and marriage seasons lined up, the prices of bananas are expected to remain high in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the prices of turmeric are expected to be between Rs.8,000 to Rs.8.500 per quintal, until September. The prices are expected to increase due to the festival seasons. About 11 lakh ton of turmeric lies in storage at the Erode godowns, waiting for the prices to increase.