Tamarind Prices Skyrocket to ₹25,000 per Quintal in Ahilyanagar; Seasonal High Sparks Joy Among Farmers
Tamarind prices in Ahilyanagar's Dada Patil Shelke APMC have reached a seasonal record of ₹25,000 per quintal. With daily arrivals hitting 400 quintals, processed (broken) tamarind is seeing massive demand from both domestic and international markets.
The Dada Patil Shelke Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Ahilyanagar is witnessing an extraordinary surge in tamarind prices as the new harvest season picks up momentum. On Saturday, March 14, the market recorded a peak price of ₹25,000 per quintal for processed (broken) tamarind, the highest so far this season. While the price range started from ₹10,000, the average rate held steady at a robust ₹17,500 per quintal, sparking a wave of optimism among local producers.
Daily arrivals of tamarind in the Ahilyanagar market are currently averaging between 300 to 400 quintals. The supply is predominantly coming from within the district, including Karjat, Shrigonda, Jamkhed, and Parner talukas. However, the market’s reputation as a major hub has also attracted arrivals from neighboring districts like Dharashiv, Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Beed, Pune, and Nashik, cementing its position as a primary trade center for the commodity.
Apart from processed tamarind, other varieties are also being traded actively. Whole tamarind is fetching between ₹2,500 and ₹3,000 per quintal, while 'Botuk' (partially processed) tamarind is priced at ₹4,800 to ₹5,000 per quintal. The market is also seeing a significant turnover in tamarind seeds (Chinchoke), with daily arrivals of 250 quintals fetching between ₹2,700 and ₹2,850 per quintal. These seeds are in high demand across other Indian states and for international export.
The high price is largely attributed to a relatively lower total production this year, which has tightened supply against strong demand. Traders note that the tamarind from this region is highly sought after for its quality, leading to consistent exports to various parts of the country and overseas. For farmers who have managed a good harvest despite erratic weather, these rates represent a significant financial boost.
As the season continues, market analysts expect prices to remain firm due to the limited stock and the ongoing export commitments. The Ahilyanagar APMC remains the focal point for tamarind trade in Central Maharashtra, providing a transparent platform for farmers to capitalize on the current market bullishness.
