Banana prices in India have seen rapid rises over the past few days to an all-time high of Rs10 (US$0.16) per fruit, the Hindu reports.
The increase has occurred as a result of monsoon ailure for the past two years, as well as decreasing area for cultivation of the fruit.
Water shortages, particularly with depleted supply fro damns in Marudhanadhi and Manjalar, have meant growers have moved away from the banana crop.
The average week sees 7,000 to 10,000 banana bunches delivered to markets, but recent arrivals have dropped to 1,000 to 2,000.
Industry insiders recommend expanding the area for banana cultivation and increasing yields to stabilise prices, but this is unlikely to become the case in the near future.
