Banana leaf prices at the Andipatti Sandhaipettai market in Theni district have surged tenfold. A bundle of leaves, which sold for 500 rupees at auction last week, is now fetching 5,500 rupees.
Market officials attribute the sharp price increase to a significant rise in demand, driven by increased exports of banana leaves to various major cities. This surge in external demand has subsequently tightened local supply and pushed prices higher.


