Merchants of Koyambedu Wholesale Vegetable Market have mentioned that the rates of banana leaves have gone high because the supply is less and the demand is more.
Banana leaves are brought from Tirunelveli, Madurai, Sholavandan, Theni, Uthamapalayam, Chinnamanur, Periyakulam, Thanjavur, Dindigul, Rajapalayam, Srivilliputhur, Villupuram, Madurantakam, Cuddalore and Puducherry in large numbers to be sold in Koyambedu Wholesale Market.
Till last month, banana leaves were brought between 30 to 32 loads in the lorries. There will be 100 leaves in a bundle. Each bundle was sold for Rs 250 to 300.
The reason for the increase of the rates of banana leaves is being attributed to Aadi winds. These winds had destroyed the plantain tress. Because of this we were able to get only 15 loads of banana leaves. Since there was short supply, the prices of the leaves have gone high by Rs 800
One of the hoteliers while speaking said: Banana leaves are used for auspicious functions as well as in hotels. At the same time, customers disapprove the use of artificial leaves. Everyone prefers to eat only on banana leaves. In order to retain the customer, we have to procure banana leaves at high price.
Kumar who is the wholesale banana leaves merchant said: Many of the banana at various places were destroyed by Aadi winds. Because of this there is short supply of leaves. Since there is more demand, price rise in inevitable.