Sugarcane demand peaks in Bengaluru markets ahead of Makar Sankranti

Bengaluru's markets are bustling with activity as Makar Sankranti approaches, with sugarcane—a festival essential—witnessing soaring demand despite rising prices.

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Vendors are cashing in on the festive season. Sugarcane vendors at markets in KR Market and KR Puram, expect to sell nearly 1,000 pieces during the peak days of January 13 and 14. Each piece is priced at ₹100, sourced at ₹55 from Mallasandra. These are the busiest days for vendors with footfalls of 1,000–1,500 customers daily.

In Malleswaram as well vendors were found selling full-sized sugarcane stems for ₹150–₹200 and smaller pieces at ₹30. Stalls selling festival essentials, particularly the sugarcane, attract around 1,000 daily visitors during the Sankranti period. The sugarcanes, sourced from Mandya’s wholesale market at ₹40–₹50 per stem, yield a significant profit margin.

Sugarcane plays a dual role in the festival as both a ritual offering and a key ingredient in ‘ellu bella’ (a sesame and jaggery mixture). While prices continue to rise, customers remain eager yet to buy them. For vendors and buyers alike, sugarcane continues to remain central to the Sankranti spirit.