The Hindu Business Line : `Bengal gram, sunflower will fetch higher prices'

The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University's (TNAU) domestic and export market intelligence cell (DEMIC) has forecast that the `Karthigaipattam' (October-March 2006-07) crops of `bengal gram' and `sunflower' will fetch higher prices, while the prices of two other crops, `coriander' and `cumbu', will either remain stable or marginally decline, compared to previous year's price levels.

Rain-fed crops

According to the DEMIC's price behaviour analysis for the four rain-fed crops raised in Tamil Nadu during winter, `bengal gram' hitting the market during February-July 2007 will get Rs 2,800 per quintal against Rs 2,300 quoted in the previous season. The current market price of bengal gram is higher at Rs 3,200 per quintal. The forecast was made on the basis of the Udumalpet market (the main market for the crop) rates in the recent past. The price forecast for the sunflower seeds during December 2006-March 2007 season will range between Rs 14-16 per kg (Rs 13-15 a kg)and its current price being Rs 20 per kg.

Vellakovil, Moolanur and Kodumudi in Erode are the major markets for sunflower seeds in Tamil Nadu. Tiruchi followed by Erode, Karur, Villupuram are the major sunflower growing tracts. The forecast is based on the price analysis of Vellakovil market in the past five seasons.

Coriander

As for `coriander', its price forecast for February-March 2007 harvests will be around Rs 22.50 per kg (Rs 23.13) and its price may tend to increase at a moderate level between May and November 2007. Its current price (based on Tirupur market) is higher at Rs 27 per kg. The area under coriander in Tamil Nadu is estimated at 19,500 hectares, Cuddalore district being the largest tract at 3,500 hectares.