Originating from the lands of Malabar in India, black pepper is one of the most desired spices both nationally and internationally. This is because of its amazing properties to be used in cooking as well as in the medical field; it is widely referred to as the king of spices.
Upon close observation, the fluctuation in the price of black pepper reveals several aspects, including a lack of transparency in the selling market, as in stockpiling, which means one seller can hold onto the spice long enough to wait for demand to rise, resulting in a higher selling price.
Another aspect is that the consumption and demand of the spice remain high, but many Southeast Asian countries are lacking in providing the spice because of various supply challenges, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, which leads to a rise in the domestic price of black pepper in India.
Latest black pepper rates in Kerala today
Kerala’s latest black pepper prices on 13th OctoberMonday, including market prices from Kochi and other places. Check the prices for 1 kilogram and 1 quintal of black pepper.
| City | 1 kg price | Price for 1 Quintal |
|---|---|---|
| Kochi | Rs. 684 | Rs. 68,400 |
| Thrissur | Rs 665 | Rs. 66,500 |
| Kozhikode | Rs. 665 | Rs. 66,500 |
| Kannur | Rs. 650 | Rs. 65,500 |
| Nedumangad | Rs. 640-660 | Rs 64k-66k |
| Pale | Rs 660 | Rs 66,000 |
| Alappuzha | Rs 670 | Rs 67,000 |
| Thalasserry | Rs 650.0 | Rs 65000.0 |
Cause of price fluctuation:
Weather can also be a crucial aspect for the Indian farmers, as inadequate rainfall leads to low crop yield, thus a higher price for the spice.
Many large bodies in the market have opted for stockpiling, gaining a large margin in profit for them, which leads to an inevitable boom in demand and price for black pepper.
Many farmers have shifted from pepper farming due to the unsatisfactory pay for the yield previously; thus, this year’s output is also low, hence the skyrocketed price for black pepper.
Features of black pepper:-
- Black pepper is rich in antioxidants for which it is often used to improve digestion of an individual.
- Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, it is also used in the treatment of arthritis, heart disease, and many other conditions.
- Lowering blood cholesterol levels can also be a reason for its high consumption rate in the pharmaceutical industry.
Advantages of Blackpepper:
- From the perspective of business welfare, cultivating black pepper seems to be a great idea at the time.
- The demand in the global market is high, thus indicating the possibility of touching international markets.
- Kerala’s humid climate and agricultural techniques are suitable for a better crop yield.
- The government is also encouraging farmers to engage in black pepper farming by giving them subsidies, regular training.
- The whole belt of black pepper shows significant employment opportunities.
Disadvantages of Black Pepper:
- Fluctuation of price in this market is not to be overlooked, as it needs statistical methodologies to get the best price from the yield.
- The yield is decreasing in India because many farmers have shifted from pepper farming due to climate change as a problem.
- The infrastructure of the market may need some work, as it doesn’t provide direct access to the customer; thus, stockpiling can be a problem.
- To reach the global market, competition is high due to the demand for superior-quality black pepper.