Teasel Gourd Prices Soar in N. Andhra, Bringing Cheer To Agency Farmers
11 Aug 2025 12:17 AM IST11 Aug 2025 12:17 AM IST
Teasel gourd prices double in north Andhra, boosting farmer incomes but straining household budgets
At Visakhapatnam’s Rythu Bazaar, teasel gourd prices have surged to ₹134/kg, prompting traders to source directly from remote farms while consumers cut back on purchases (Image:DC)
Visakhapatnam: Vegetable farmers of north Andhra, especially those in tribal and rural areas, are celebrating a significant increase in prices of the teasel gourd this season. Locally known as Akakarakaya or Adavi Kakarakaya in some regions of AP, the price of this vegetable has nearly doubled. In August last year, its price had been around ₹70 per kilogram. In the same month this year, the price has reached ₹134 per kilogram at Rythu bazaars across the region.
The price rise has not only boosted the incomes of farmers’ communities but also reduced logistical burdens. Traders from north Andhra are now themselves travelling to remote villages where teasel gourd is grown to purchase it and transport it to the urban markets by themselves. This has saved farmers the trouble of spending on transporting their gourds to market centres.
Bokam Ravi, a vegetable vendor at the Rythu Bazaar in Visakhapatnam, disclosed that teasel gourd is cultivated over 300 acres in the hills of the agency areas. He said the crop is normally harvested in July. But erratic rainfall this year has delayed its ripening until early August.
Consumers are feeling the impact of rising prices. P. Arudra, a homemaker, expressed her concerns stating, “Teasel gourds are known to protect us from monsoon-related illnesses. But with prices this high, I could only afford half a kilo.”
Nutrition experts continue to advocate consumption of seasonal foods. Home science expert B. Divya Sudha emphasised the health benefits of teasel gourds, highlighting their high vitamin C content, which helps combat fatigue, improve blood circulation, and strengthen the immune system.
“Eating teasel gourds during the monsoon can help prevent colds, regulate blood sugar and support heart health,” Divya Sudha added.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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