Domestic demand for pepper is picking up because of the active involvement of dealers from Tamil Nadu.

The market was up by ₹1 in Kochi on Thursday, touching ₹307 for ungarbled varieties on an offtake of 23 tonnes.

Kishore Shamji of Kishor Spices said there was good business with higher arrivals. Dealers in the primary market bought from farmers at increased prices. Processors based in Tamil Nadu as well as in Kerala and Karnataka are reportedly active.

Momentum in the domestic market has started picking up and more demand is expected in the coming days. Besides consumers, a direct demand from medicinal users against Covid and industrial demand as well appear to have started, he said.

The revival of domestic demand may facilitate farmers to bring in more pepper in the market to meet their financial needs, prior to the starting of the academic season. Therefore, brisk activities are anticipated in the coming days, both on demand and supply side, he said.

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