HYDERABAD: The coronavirus outbreak has led to an increase in consumption of dried fruits and spices. The need for stronger immunity see more people include them in their diet, which has shot up the prices.
During the first wave, prices of dry fruits increased to 45 per cent, and subsequently the prices of the spices too.
Traders said that there has been fluctuation in the price, which dipped initially and skyrocketed later.
“The fluctuation in prices was due to several disruptions like lockdown, incessant rains and transportation hurdles. Every variety saw an increase in price between 20 and 40 per cent,” Hari Shankar, a trader told TOI.
The sale of garlic, ginger and black pepper has seen double-fold increase now, compared to the pre-pandemic period.
In Hyderaad, the sales of turmeric, which arrives from Nizamabad, Warangal and Guntur districts, stood third after Erode in Kerala, according to traders. The consumption of these spices has increased after the pandemic has set in. Over 70 per cent of the people are using them in decoctions, while a few of them are taking it raw.
“Before pandemic, we used spices only in curries and sambar, now we are having them daily by mixing them in water or hot milk,” said 65-year-old Banda Shanthamma.
