Madurai’s tender coconut requirement is met by Cumbum, Gudalur, Chinnamanur and Thevaram in Theni district. It is supplied to neighbouring districts like Sivaganga, Virudhunagar and ...

“Earlier we used to get a tender coconut for Rs 15 from coconut growers. But due to the shortage in the yield, growers are now demanding Rs 20 to Rs 25. As a result we have increased the prices ...

While a medium sized tender coconut is priced at ₹10, the bigger ones are priced at ₹15. In other markets and roadside stalls, the price of a tender coconut is invariably ₹30 to ₹35.

We didn't have such abrupt change in previous years," says S Thamimun Ansari from Tiruvarur, a tender coconut vendor near Central bus stand. Wholesalers say the drop in business is as high as 85%.

She sent me a postcard with a drawing of a coconut tree bending cinematically into the waters. In her note, she wrote that the tender coconuts were massive and cost only 50 paise.

“We mix ice and sugar with tender coconut,” says, Dinesh Baliga.“I used to come here regularly because it is profitable and healthier. We will get one and half glass of juice for `35.